Let The Good Times Roll!

WHAT MAKES BALLS MOVE?

Children play with balls in many different ways. They throw them, catch them, kick them, and roll them with seemingly endless delight. We are learning how natural forces, such as gravity and friction, affect the movement of balls. We discussed the meaning of force and how we can use it to move a ball. Using forced air from a blow dryer, we discovered how the air can effect a balls movement. Then, I gave each student a straw and pom pom balls to move with their breath. We discussed how the ball's weight or how hard air blew made a difference in the distance traveled.

WHICH HAS MORE?

After inspecting two jars with different balls, I asked the boys and girls "Which has more?" We recorded our answers and counted the balls. Adults play a significant role in helping children to learn mathematical vocabulary, concepts, and process skills. If children are to develop the knowledge needed for later formal learning, they need frequent practice with materials in play settings and adult-guided activities that include meaningful discussions and applications.


WHAT'S THE SAME/DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CIRCLE AND A SPHERE?

One thing that interested the boys and girls is how a sphere is not flat and a circle is. We also discussed circumference and how to measure a sphere or circle. As a group we added chain links together to measure the circumference of a ball. We then laid the chain flat and I asked each child to give me an estimate of how many chain links we used. Josiah was the closest with an estimation of thirty and we counted thirty one. Afterwards, each student was given a ball to measure. We then determined which spheres were the largest or smallest.

OUR LITTLE CHICKS

We painted with balls last week and the kids thought it was funny. This week I asked them to paint a baby chicken with a fork. Their faces were priceless. Fork painting is such a fun and clever painting technique. It allows for different textures and lines and creates something far different than a paintbrush. Definitely worth giving it a try!

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