Today in the homeschooling group the little children talked about bugs, insects.
They started out by reading about them and seeing pictures of different kinds of bugs, the similarities and their habitats, after that we all got to make bugs together. They came out so great and the children really enjoyed the process, Keenan still sat at the table deeply concentrated on his bugly creation, after everyone else had gone to wash hands.
There were so many great ones, there was a ladybug and also spiders, dragonflies, caterpillars, beetles, mosquitos and others, such fun!!
The play dough we used, which had such a soft delicious consistency, was made using 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of water (with food coloring if desired), 1 Tsp oil, 1/2 cup of salt and 2 tsp cream of tartar.
Stir and cook until the consistency of mashed potatoes, then take off heat and knead by hand until it looks like play dough. This will keep for 2 months with home use, store in refrigerator.
I have made play dough many times, yet have not cooked it before, I really loved the feeling of this and will make this next time we make some at home.
Besides the play dough there was also silk paper wings and construction paper pieces, buttons and tooth pick as well as pipe cleaners.
Besides the play dough there was also silk paper wings and construction paper pieces, buttons and tooth pick as well as pipe cleaners.
To complete the experience we went outside and looked for bugs in the places where we knew they liked. the children had brought buckets, shovels and magnifying glasses, and they loved it. Even though we have had a few frosty nights and some cold days, today was in the sixties and just lovely, and to out surprise we found many little bugs, spiders, worms, crickets and ants...
Even a beautiful Praying Mantis
~remember to sign up for my little giveaway here~
Those play dough bugs are fantastic. Love the spiky button caterpillar. We have been collecting bugs too. as B's class room has become a live bug museum.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a delight to see the different interpretations of a theme. I especially like the picky button creature too :-) We haven't tried a cooked play dough recipe yet, either. Thanks for the recipe.
ReplyDeleteMost fun - making creatures. One summer at camp, I made a zoo all out of animals I'd made from tiny rocks. I've never made dough, but I imagine the stuff would be quite fun to cook up. I really favored Keenan's work, myself. Spikey bugs. As long as they don't live in the mountains.
ReplyDelete