Pools in February!

Last week we spotted two kiddie pools that a neighbor was going to discard. We grabbed them, cleaned them up, and placed them near the toys. Immediately, AN and JL were intrigued - a huge blue circle to jump into! FF sat in one and enjoyed the ride while her friends dragged her around the yard. They also enjoyed dragging the pools while they were empty. The older boys became frustrated as the younger children got into the pools and sat there, so we encouraged A and J to help them get in and get out.

The pools also triggered lots of conversation between J and A and the boys sat in them and laughed and talked with each other. Eventually, they dragged them all over the yard and at one point pushed them up to the playhouse window. Other children came over, sat down and waited for A to open the window. What a show!

We decided to bring the small pool inside for our new large motor space and it has been a hit. Filling it up with interesting items is a great way to explore a large circle and learn that shape. As they engage with the pools we use a variety of words such as circle, upside down, empty, bigger, smaller, drag, help, etc., using language in a more organic way.

The pools also triggered lots of conversation between J and A. They sat in the pool and laughed and talked. Eventually, they dragged them all over the yard and at one point pushed them up to the playhouse near the window. Others came, sat down and waited for A to open the window. What a show!