I love the rain. And it has been raining a lot in the northeast. A lot might be an understatement. It has been raining every day! I hear many people complaining that they can't wait for the sun to come out or they are so tired of the gloomy weather. I sympathize with how they feel. I also see all this rain as a learning opportunity!
The next time it rains have your kids/students lie on the floor. Turn the lights off. Ask them to listen closely. Ask them to concentrate on what they hear. Do this for a few minutes. Ask them what they heard. Write down their answers. (The more descriptive the better.)
Have them look out the window. Ask them to focus on the rain. What does it look like if you focus far away? What does it look like up close? How does it look on the window. Again, write down what they say.
Ask them what rain feels like. ( If you have an opportunity to take them outside or open a window that would be great but not necessary. They can remember what it feels like as well.) What does it feel like on your nose, tongue, hands, feet? Write down their answers.
Ask them what rain tastes like. (Again they can draw on past experiences.) Ask them about the temperature of the rain as well. Write down what they tell you.
Does rain have a smell? If so, what does it smell like? Record their answers.
This exercise works on the children's observation skills. They are challenged to explore with all of their senses. We take in so much of the world with our eyes. It is great to take in our surroundings with the other senses as well.
Ask them to dance using their observations as inspiration. Have the rain be their orchestra!
Keep this exercise up your sleeve for a rainy day. Instead of asking the students to stop looking outside at the rain, encourage them to do so. Encourage them to be aware of their surroundings and how their surroundings effect them.
Have fun with the little ones in your life exploring the world with all of their senses!
Sincerely,
Stacey
No comments:
Post a Comment