So, let's start with Curiosity Day!
This past Saturday was Curious George's birthday! In celebration, my library hosted Curiosity Day. I was very excited to plan this event. I love Curious George, but mostly, I love curiosity and wonder. Instead of planning Curious George related activities and then trying to include curiosity, I decided to plan curious activities and include Curious George. I just thought it would give me more options this way, and it did!
I thought it would be best if the event was set up in a "come and go" fashion. I knew it would allow for more parents and children to participate in a very relaxed environment. From there, I decided that different stations would be best and they should be set up in a way that encouraged parent participation.
So, here is what I ended up with...
I set up six different stations in our open storytime area. Each one was clearly labeled with simple directions and a "Curious Question" was included. The Curious Question was a way to extend the activity and really get the children thinking. Also, I knew most children would need a parent to read it to them. It really helped pull the parents in and encouraged them to participate with their children. The parents didn't have to come up with questions; they were already there!
Station #1 Magnets! A small table was provided with many different magnetic objects. Cans, lids with magnets attached, slinkies, alphabet letters and pipe cleaners are some of the objects included. I even added eyes to some of the lids so the kids could make silly creatures. Here is a picture of one of those silly creatures!
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| I love this and wish I could take the credit. I found the idea at the link below! http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/09/i-can-day-tin-can-magnetic-play-at-the-discovery-table/ |
Station #2 Matching and Memory! This station was very simple. A file folder matching game and matching pieces to play the memory game. All of the pieces had Curious George pictures on it, of course!
Station #3 Look and Find Jars! This station was really fun! I provided four jars full of rice. Within the rice were ten hidden objects. A list of items to look for was next to each jar and, to tie into the day's theme, a picture of Curious George was on the lid of each jar. The kids loved this!! The only thing they could not find was a penny in jar #2.
Station #4 Counting Jars! For this station, I used baby food jars and put different small items inside: pom-pom balls, pearls, wooden ice cream spoons, soda tabs, glass stones, beads, buttons, and gems. The idea was for the children to guess how many items were in each jar. The correct number was on the bottom of the jars. The Curious Question asked them to compare the jar of glass stones to the jar of beads. They both have the same amount. Why does the jar of glass stones appear to have more? This got the children thinking about spatial relation and helped to open a dialogue between the child and adult.
Station #5 Mismatch Materials! This was by far the most popular station. I couldn't believe that it actually beat the magnet station. I have to admit, it was super fun and so simple!
I taped a long piece of bulletin board paper to the wall and drew a few shapes on it. Then I covered it in contact paper with the sticky side out. A box of random materials was provided. Not just fabric! We also put out buttons, string, rope and pom-poms. The first child to use it pretty much covered the entire thing. I was concerned that we would have to take it down because other children wouldn't have space to put up more pieces. However, (here comes the best part) I was very excited to learn that everything could be taken off easily and reused! It made my day!! I couldn't have planned that better!
Station #6 Storytime with Curious George! Off to the side I set up a table with the book Curious George and a CD of the story. The children could listen to it with the headphones and follow along with the book. At one point several children wanted to hear it so we unplugged the headphones and listened to it together. Of course they didn't listen to the entire book, but it was a great experience for them to share and listen together.
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| The Curious Question for the audio station asked the children to retell the story using felt pieces. |
At the end of the allotted time, we served a snack. Farm Fresh was kind enough to donate banana muffins and marble bread for the event. I always think it is important to thank local vendors who contribute to our programs through donations. So, I made a sign.
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| I attempted to make the cup and plate look like the Man in the Yellow Hat's hat. I'm still undecided if I was successful or not... Oh well! |
Overall, I think it was a successful program. I really liked the simplicity of it. The stations were directed by the families and they could stay as long as they wanted. I'm pretty sure H.A Rey would be proud!
