This project uses the spinner in the classroom. It is a great way to incorporate art and science into one fun activity!
Benefits:
- The spinner provides a fascinating visual experience. This helps draw children’s visual attention to the activity.
- Placing the greens into the bowl helps develop eye hand skills and stimulates touch receptors.
- For younger children position both hands on the top and help them push down. If they can’t garner the strength to push independently, give a little support in the upper arms to exert downward force. Arm strengthening occurs!
- For preschoolers, make sure they use two hands. This reinforces bilateral motor coordination.
- For Kindergarten and grade school aged children, if they are strong enough, have them use their preferred hand. This reinforces laterality, or handedness.
- Having the child count each push reinforces early counting skills.
- At all ages this is an excellent activity for developing simple motor planning and eye hand skills.
Directions:
1. Have the children search for interesting greens outside (flowers, grass, clover…)
2. Place greens in the sink and have the child rinse the greens.
3. Fill the basket half way with greens. Cover with lid.
4. Push the spinner top with one or two hands. Push and count to ten. Then wait for the spinner to stop.
5. Lift the lid and take the greens and place them in the serving bowl.
6. After they have dried, they can create “nature artwork” with the various items, much as you would create a collage.
7. Paint glue all over the paper and the student arranges and places the items per their design and creativity.
Special Considerations:
- For children with tactile sensitivities be sure to have towels nearby so they can clean up their hands quickly.
Thank you to Kathleen Tuttle and The Children’s School, Stamford, CT for sharing this project idea.