Children's Festival

Hemel House volunteers were at the Lethbridge Exhibition Children's Festival in April 2012. Our focus for our activities was sensory experiences and science using materials from around the home.

Our activities were set up at the children's level to be more inviting and easily accessible to children passing by with space to move about.

A variety of sensory materials were offered to explore. Sensory bottles including water, oil, food coloring, marbles, rice, hidden small items, soap were included. Peek-A-Boo bags were available to be explored as well. These sensory tables were frequented by children two years and under. Older children and even adults often took a moment to look as well!

Moon sand (or cloud dough) was offered to explore.

Many parents asked about this dough and were amazing at how simple it was and how much their children loved to explore. Flour and baby oil, that is it. Mix until desired consistency is reached.

Our science area also included an experiment utilizing vinegar and baking soda. Trays were available with baking soda sprinkled in the bottom.

Beside them were small cups containing different colors of vinegar and eye droppers.

Children were encouraged to develop their fine motor skills in manipulating the eye droppers to suck up the vinegar and drop onto the baking soda.

This experiment provided opportunities for the children to learn about reactions of two items being mixed together and also provided color mixing lessons.

It was very popular for all ages!

We also had available scrap fun foam, yarn, pipe cleaners and other items for gluing and lacing. We always enjoy meeting families at the Children's Festival and look forward to planning something new for next year!