Shadows and Reflections: In this unit, children explore shadows and reflections using observations, experiments, and books to learn about what makes a shadow and a reflection. During story time, children will hear about a girl playing by a still pond, a puppy who thinks he is a kitten, a crocodile collecting reflections in a pail, a sleepy boy who sees a shadow save a cat, and a raccoon who has an adventure with only his reflection as company. Children will continue to learn about letters, letter sounds, and counting concrete objects.
Theme Concepts for this Unit
Reflections are images thrown back from a shiny surface
There must be light, or there can be no reflection
Mirrors and still water reflect light well; dull surfaces do not
If water is moving, its reflections are blurry and crooked
Objects are opaque, translucent or transparent
Shadows are dark areas made when an object blocks light
The sizes of shadows vary, depending on how close an object is to the light source.
Books for the week:
Dreams: Ezra Jack Keats
What Makes a Shadow? by Clyde Robert Bulla
Night Shift Daddy - Eileen Spinelli
Small Groups:
Collecting and Painting Pet Rocks
Decorating Animals for Shadow puppets
Whose Shadows - matching shadows and pictures
Choice time
Art Table: Painting Umbrellas
Easel: Open Painting
Adding to our pond
Library Area: Stories about animals
Rug - School House
Flashlights and Mirrors
Dramatic Play - Farmers Market
