Preschoolers are fascinated with activities that use natural materials.
Preschoolers are naturally curious and excited to learn about natural materials such as rocks and stones. Allow preschoolers to explore nature through science activities with rocks and stones. Preschool activities with rocks and stones should incorporate creative art and sensory activities that allow children to discover new materials.
Rocks and Stones Sensory Table
Sensory activities help preschoolers discover new textures, develop a sense of touch and improve their ability to perceive their environment more precisely. Create a sensory table using any sturdy container that can hold objects and water. Fill the sensory table with aquarium rocks and stones. Add sand or water. Provide the preschoolers with shovels, buckets and magnifying glasses and encourage them to explore.
Stone Garden
Take preschoolers on a hunt for rocks and stones in various shapes and sizes. Discuss the features of the rocks and stones such as size, texture and shape. Clean and dry the rocks and stones. Encourage the children to paint and decorate the rocks with acrylic paint. Allow the rocks to dry completely. Select and plant seeds, flowers and vegetables to create a garden. Instruct the children to surround the garden with the painted rocks. Have the children observe the garden as it grows.
Rock Mosaic
Take a nature walk with the children and help them select a bucket full of small rocks and stones. Wash the rocks and stones and allow them to dry. Provide paint in a variety of colors. Invite the preschoolers to dip the rocks into the paint so that the rocks and stones are completely covered. Allow the rocks to dry and then sort the rocks into piles by color. Encourage children to draw shapes in a pattern or design on a piece of cardboard. Show children glue rocks within the pattern. Allow to dry completely. Display the rock mosaics in the classroom.
Decoupage Rock Paperweight
Allow each preschooler to select a rock to use as a paperweight. Clean and dry the rocks. Clip pictures from magazines and allow the children to select a picture that fits the rock. Create decoupage glue by combining equal parts of white craft glue and water. Show the preschoolers brush the decoupage glue on the rock. Demonstrate stick the picture on the rock and brush more glue on top of the picture. Allow to dry completely.
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