Inspiring Imaginations... Leprechaun Day Part 2.5: Just Discovered!!

We interrupt this Leprechaun Series to bring you an exciting new development.......

AIR MISTERS

I'd like to add ONE more super fun colorful activity to my list of favorites that are mentioned in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Leprechuan Day Series. 

I discovered these treasures yesterday at Target in my favorite section of the store......the DOLLAR SECTION!!  Even though some items in this coveted section are $2.50, I still love Target for this priceless addition for early childhood professionals!


These beauties, "Air Misters" were $2.50 and are worth every single cent!!  I believe their true purpose is to cool oneself while sunning on a tropical beach.  Well...since I am no where near a tropical beach, and I  am addicted to repurposing, THIS is what their use is as Giggles and Grins:

Step 1:   After filling the Air Mister with colored water (I used water and
 Liquid Watercolor) it is ready for fun!  Using the handy dandy,
AND hard to manipulate pump (aka: uses a LOT of muscles...upper
body and core (tummy muscles))  one must first create air pressure inside
the air mister (SCIENCE!!!).

It's amazing how much perseverance a child who is
motivated to succeed can demonstrate!  The pumping is not
easy...but my crew were all able to do it!

When it becomes impossible to pump any more, then we know
there is enough pressure inside and it's TIME to MIST!!

Since the "Mystery Word" (Explanation of Mystery Word) was "absorb" on this
particular day,  I set the stage with opportunities for the children
 to do some hands-on absorbing.  So, we sprayed right on the table, then
absorbed the colored water with paper towel.  This was AMAZINGLY fun
because usually, writing on the table, or purposefully painting the table is
a "whoops".  But for this...it was encouraged, and they loved it!!

Look at those important grasping muscles working hard!

It didn't take long before the children were working together to create
the color they wanted.  Or, just to see what would happen!

This child is adding yellow to the blue by request of the "blue child".  It's always
nice to see young children working together.  Cooperation is a VALUABLE
skill!

These children have successfully made purple, and orange...they were proud!  I loved observing
the thinking process as they determined which child's help they needed (according to what color
they had).

THEN...imaginations kicked in.  Ty is frantically putting out a fire (red and yellow).  Look
at the intensity on his face! 

Another child is putting out the fire.

Just look at all the learning that can evolve from repurposing!!   LOTS of important fine and large muscle skills and coordination, eye-hand coordination, imaginations, visual planning, cause and effect, trial and error, science, science and MORE science!!  All of that learning through PLAY!!

PLAY COUNTS!!!