Candy Structures

During this activity, the children were encouraged to create any kind of structure using toothpicks and candy. Using the pointy tips of the toothpicks, the children were able to attach the candies and make various models. This activity was intended for children to explore shapes (3D and 2D) and use these structures for symbolic representation.

Materials

• Wooden popsicle sticks

• Candy

• Trays

• Bowls

Learning Objectives & Outcomes from Early Learning for Every Child Today

Explore spatial properties by building structures and exploring concepts like height, strength and dimensional shapes.

ELECT 4.17 Understanding Two- Dimensional and Three Dimensional Shapes

• Identifying common attributes of shapes

• Matching shapes and names

ELECT 5.2 Fine Motor

• Coordination

• Pincer grasp

ELECT 5.3 Sense

• Sensory Exploration

• Sensory Motor Integration

Observations

• The children created an assortment of structures from cars to towers.

• Some children created a structure for someone in their family making statements like: "This is for mommy!".

• The children also used their structures during imaginary play. For example, one child created wheels of a car and was able to roll the structure around with his fingers while making car sounds.

• Children applied numbers to the activity by counting how many of the same sculpture they made.

• Social interaction and communication was seen through the children creating a game of trading and giving some coloured candies and tooth picks to one another.

Reflection & Outcomes

The children were so engaged and focused in the activity that the activity extended for a longer time that was unexpected. The activity was also open ended, allowing the children to create any structure as they wished. Sensory exploration was evident during this activity, which was seen when the children were smelling the candy flavours and felt the stickiness of the candies. This activity was able to successfully cover math/numeracy concepts, social skills and sensory exploration.