Paper clay

One of the recycling activities we have done recently has been paper clay.

This is a good way to use some of that shredded paper from the office. Mix it with water and flour – getting the mixture right takes some trial and error –  make it an EXPERIMENT and introduce the idea of trial and error and having a go and learning from your first attempts – (HINT: it shouldn’t be too wet and sloppy or too dry)…..

Then shape it on a base…

let it dry ….

and paint it.

This is best used for flat shapes, as it won’t stand up by itself. And we learnt that it is better done onto some plastic like a lid so it’s easier to get off afterwards. But the children were very interested in making something from practically nothing – and the finished product has a sort of rough hewn appeal.

Learning about Bees

We have had a visit from Eric and Sandra to show us their glass hive and tell us about bees. This is becoming an annual event which we really appreciate.

We take for granted that flowers will bloom and fruit and vegetables will grow for us to eat – but without bees most of that wouldn’t happen.

The children were fascinated by the bees at work in their glass hive. They heard about the different jobs the bees do and about the work involved in getting honey.

Everyone had a go at something – either wearing the protective clothing or puffing the smoker.

We saw, held and sniffed the honey comb and found out how bees make the wax and the honey – did you know that bees have got 3 stomachs?

Eric and Sandra were kind enough to give us lots of time – so that the children who wanted to could stay and look and listen for as long as they liked.

They also generously gave us some honey and some bee headbands – thankyou!

 

Chalk art

Oscar and Cooper spent a lovely hour one afternoon experimenting with wet chalk to create some pavement art.

They were their “lands” they explained.

When they were finished they didn’t want anyone to walk on it while still wet so we made a sign and some arrows to let other people know.

Then they came to the office table outside and made maps of their lands and cut them out.

Maps are such an interesting way to communicate and learn about places –  these children relish the power and knowledge that a map gives them.

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