Wonderful Wednesday #3: South America

Today we visited South America! After some time to play in the garden, we jumped into Cultural Stories about real people, places, animals and products from South America. We talked about the waddle of penguins on an iceberg at the tip of Argentina, the macaw soaring through the Amazon Rain forest, the gaucho using his lasso, and many more!

This story was a favorite! We shared a real Peruvian Tapestry and also had a lovely story about a Bolivian one (pictured at the right). The children loved making observations about each and identifying characteristics that are similar and different.

For our snack today we made Strawberry Mango smoothies and had some popcorn (corn being a main product of South America). It was delicioso!

Our art project today was to decorate mariposas (butterflies) just like the ones you would see in the Amazon Rain forest.

The Primary aged children also made Chilean rainsticks. They had a parade in the room and enjoyed shaking their rainsticks. After, they heard the story of how real rainsticks are made from dried cactus, the cactus thorns and pebbles. They also heard how the Chilean people use the rainsticks in the desert because they believe it helps to bring the rain when they need it most. We also found Chile on the globe and talked about its shape.

Soon, it was time for water play in the garden!

In addition to the water, shaving cream and a cornstarch + water mixture made for some fun sensory play in the garden.

A 'wonderful' time was had by all! We hope to see you next Wednesday, July 17, as we travel to Africa!