Glass Beads

We are definitely still in the process of learning how to make the best use of our new light table.  This week's invitation to play was a big hit, though!

We put out blue, green and clear glass beads from the dollar store.  They were in the aisle with the silk flowers and vases.  I also picked up a set of 10 little clear bowls with lids for $1.  That's it... an invitation to play!

The students started by filling the little bowls.  They talked about how many glass beads fit into each one, and even engaged in a discussion about whether each bowl would hold the same number (5) or if they could get more beads to fit.  The bowls were the same size, but the beads varied a little bit.  It was so exciting to hear the preschoolers compare the beads and decide which ones would be the best to use.  Without directly teaching capacity, our preschoolers were deeply engaged in an exploration of capacity.  That, my friends, is playing to learn.

After all ten of the plastic bowls were filled with beads, they decided to stack them like blocks to make a tower.

Of course, the tower fell down over and over again and made a terrific crashing sound!  Then, the students decided to explore making other sounds with the beads by dropping them onto the table.  Thank goodness our light table is so durable!

This is such a great example of easy, child-led play.  It required virtually no set-up or time from me, and kept them busy, talking, thinking and engaged for a long while.  I'm declaring this center a keeper.

Have fun playing and learning with your children today.