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Ice Exploration at BestStart Te Whariki
In our Kiwi Room (Nursery Room) we enjoy different activities daily. We as a teaching team are investigating new and inviting ways of offering the 16 Areas of Play in the Nursery. Ice exploration was a great way of experimenting with different ideas of how to melt the ice faster by either breaking it into small pieces using a play dough hammer, touching it with our warm hands, and dipping it back in the melted ice water.
Some great problem-solving skills were noticed by the Kaiako. They provide tamariki with enhancing their fine and gross motor skills by squeezing, touching, and holding the ice. This play type opens many avenues for exploring, discovering, and learning about the world. As children explore sensory material, they develop their sense of touch which lays the foundation for learning other skills such as identifying objects, and using fine motor muscles.
Ice play allows tamariki to explore different textures, temperatures, and sensations. They can touch, squeeze, and hold the ice while experiencing the coldness and the transformation of solid ice into water which is learning about science! This sensory experience enhances their tactile and sensory development.
All this learning is taking place while also having fun. Open the freezer at home and see what you can create!