Fun with sand-dough!

This morning we experimented with a different type of playdough, we created a sand-dough using sand, flour, water and vanilla essence. We also placed different flowers, plants, toy animals and toy dinosaurs in the sand-dough and managed to create a dinosaur jungle.

By poking in objects and pulling them out of the dough it helps strengthen hand muscles and co-ordination. As part of simple, tactile play it can be squashed, squeezed, rolled, flattened, chopped and cut. Each one of these different actions aids fine motor skills in a different way, not to mention hand-eye co-ordination and general concentration.

With providing objects from nature with a wide range of textures, colours and shapes, children can have multi-sensory experiences and engage with the world around them in a whole new way.

Our Big Day Out!

Today was an action packed day! first stop, to visit Grandad Robin at Hiab Transport Ltd. The children were so excited to see all the different forms of transport such as a bus, forklift, a Hiab and Palfinger crane and trains that would go past every 10 minutes.

We said goodbye to Grandad Robin and made tracks further down the road to Extreme Edge Rock Climbing. For those who wanted to climb, they were fitted with a harness before the instructor explained how to attach ourselves to the climbing ropes and also how to climb up and come down. While some of us had a great time climbing, there were some that were content to watch their friends climb and have their own fun on the floor.

These trips out in the wider community give children firsthand experiences away from their regular Centre environment. For many it was the first time at a truck site and indoor rock climbing.

Thanks Grandad Robin for inviting us to Hiab, we hope you enjoyed the cake. Of course these trips couldn’t happen without the help of parents and extra caregivers who stepped up to ensure that the tamariki could safely enjoy exploring the wider community.
Thank you!

Making Orange Juice