Picture frames (one per child, if possible)
Baking trays with different sections (tinker trays)
Loose parts: corks, bottle tops, feathers, pompoms, wood slices, leaves, bolts, pebbles, etc.
Bases for faces: silver cake bases or play dough
Optional: guide with 100 ideas for loose parts play
Introduction:
Explain to the children that they will be creating faces using various loose parts.
Discuss how faces are usually symmetrical, meaning one side looks like the other.
Show examples of symmetrical faces and talk about symmetry in simple terms.
Setting Up:
Place a picture frame in front of each child to serve as a base and structure for their face creation.
Set up the tinker trays with different sections filled with assorted loose parts. Use items like corks, bottle tops, feathers, pompoms, wood slices, leaves, bolts, and pebbles.
Provide each child with a base for their face, such as a silver cake base or a small piece of play dough.
Creating Faces:
Encourage the children to use the loose parts to create a face within the picture frame.
Explain that they should try to make both sides of the face look the same, just like their own faces.
Allow them to explore and arrange the parts however they like, emphasizing creativity and self-expression.
Discussion and Guidance:
As the children work, walk around and talk with them about their creations.
If a child’s face is not symmetrical, gently guide them by asking questions like, “What can we add to this side to make it look like the other side?”
Reinforce the concept of symmetry by pointing out symmetrical features in their faces and the faces around them.
Sharing and Displaying:
Once the children have finished their faces, have them share their creations with the group.
Encourage each child to talk about their face and the parts they used.
Display the faces in a gallery-style setup in the classroom, allowing the children to observe and appreciate each other’s work.
Reflection:
Discuss the activity with the children. Ask them what they liked about making the faces and what they learned about symmetry.
Reinforce the idea that symmetry is all around us, especially in the faces we see every day.
What Happened?
Children created symmetrical faces using various loose parts, developing an understanding of symmetry.
They practiced fine motor skills by manipulating small objects.
The activity encouraged creativity, self-expression, and early mathematical thinking.
Explore More:
Extend the activity by exploring other symmetrical objects in the environment.
Introduce more complex symmetrical designs and patterns for older children.
Use the guide with 100 ideas for loose parts play to find more materials and activities to enhance loose parts play sessions.