To start the new year on a positive note, the preschool room transformed into a hub of excitement as they gathered together for a special games day. Children were presented with a coloured sticker that represented their team and grouped together to cheer on their fellow team-mates through a morning of fun and exhilaration! Amidst the cheering, valuable lessons and learning were waiting to unfold.
The first adventure for the morning was “Ball Fishing”. Opponents from each team gathered around water buckets as they worked skillfully to collect colourful balls from the bucket using only their feet. “Let’s go Cole, Let’s go!” Team blue cheered loudly as their team mate honed their foot-eye coordination and their motor skills to collect the elusive balls that were challenging to catch. Nevertheless, Team Blue came out on the top winning 3 out of 5 games of “Ball Fishing!”
Next up was the “Marble Run”. Marbles raced along the table, attempting to collect into a cup with the largest number. Contestants absorbed in a game of trial and error and cause and effect as they determined how much force to apply for a successful toss. Spatial awareness, counting, fine motor skills and basic physical concepts are just a few of the skills the teams practiced for a successful game. Team Green took the gold medal for this game with 140 points while Team Blue came in second place with 60 points!
The grand finale was the “Flying Pom-Pom Competition”. Armed with straws, rivals strategically navigated their pom-poms, blowing it through the straw to the finish line! As they navigated their pom-poms through the short course, the preschoolers learned the art of patience, precision and breath control. Cheering, turn-taking and support from others became a basis to this challenge, fostering a sense of sportsmanship, teamwork and accomplishment! Team Green and Team Blue tied on this challenge, resulting in a tie for the entire game day!
Through this “Games Day” morning, the children not only absorbed in exciting games, they also cultivated team-work, problem solving, and the art of following instructions. Each challenge was a portal into a world where education seamlessly intertwined with play proving that sometimes the most insightful learning happens when we play together.
