More Activities for Young Children

4. Make a Sundial

Materials

• 12 inch by 12 inch piece of heavy card stock
• Block of wood
• Thumb tacks

Directions

An old way to tell the time was to use the sun and the shadows it cast. You can make a sundial to put in your backyard that will tell you what time it is.

1. First, take the heavy card stock and fold it corner to corner, then cut the card in half.
2. Fold a flap on the bottom of the card to tack into the piece of wood.
3. Attach the card to the wooden block, making sure the triangle is straight up and down.
4. Place the sundial on a flat surface in the sun.
5. Every hour, mark off where the shadow is cast.
6. You might even want to paint a nature design on the wood block.
7. Remember to keep the sundial facing the same direction so your hour marks will be accurate.

5. Build a Terrarium

Materials

• A clear glass container with a wide neck to allow your hand in
• Small stones or gravel
• Activated charcoal (get from pet store)
• Potting soil
• Small sponge
• Piece of screen, mesh, or cheesecloth
• Plants or moss

Directions

A terrarium is a completely self-supporting ecosystem. The plant life replenishes the air with oxygen, light shining through provides the light and power source, and water comes from the moisture in the soil. As the dead leaves fall off, they decompose providing food for the soil. How to make one:

1. Select your plants. They should be small, like shade, and not grow too fast or too tall.
2. Put gravel on terrarium floor.
3. Sprinkle a small amount of activated charcoal on top.
4. Cover with a piece of screen with a slit cut in the middle.
5. Slice the sponge to one third inch wide and stick it in like a candle between the slit in the screen and anchor it in the gravel. The sponge will bring moisture up to the plant roots.
6. Cover with potting soil.
7. Gently make small holes and place plants in them, packing the soil loosely around them.
8. Spritz your plants with water and cover. Add small figures.

Your terrarium may look a little limp for a few days but will get used to its new environment in no time.

Global Montessori specializes in early childhood education providing daycare, preschool and elementary programs and has been serving Langley, Brookswood, Cloverdale, Walnut Grove, Surrey, High Point and Morgan Creek for over 26 years.