Jello Building

This project is a guaranteed winner! Don't skimp on the quantity of jello. It's inexpensive, and whatever you don't use for building can be served for snack.

Children ages 5-6 years can construct a three dimensional model Cog. IV A
ages 4-5 years can use one object to represent many different objects Cog. IV A
ages 2 ½-3 years can name structure as being bridge, bed, track, etc. Cog. IV A
and they can name one color correctly Lang. IB
All of the children participating will be able to use the materials in a variety of ways SE III

 

Materials

Jello blocks, 2 or 3 colors; make several flat trays of homemade jello using 3/4-1 envelope of plain gelatin per cut of fruit juice (try grape, cranberry, or apple -- any with strong natural color). Follow directions on gelatin package, but reduce the amount of liquid slightly or add an extra envelope of gelatin for each 4-5 envelopes made according to directions. When the jello is solid, cut it into 1" cubes; toothpicks; straws; all shapes and sizes of macaroni and spaghetti; knives; forks; spoons.

1. Make sure all hands are freshly washed.

2. Discuss with the children the composition of some familiar objects; houses, cars, trains, rockets, cups, windows, furniture, etc. Then ask them "What would happen if all those materials disappeared and all we had left was jello?"

3. Have all the children put their heads down and pretend to sleep. Put all the materials out on the table. Then wake them up and announce, "Look! It's all gone. There's nothing left but jello.", and let them go at it.

4. Eating the jello is part of the game. (A child might make a train and then count and eat the cars like a monster.)

5. During the project, talk with the children about structures, colors, flavors, textures, etc.