My current instructional style most closely resembles the constructivist mode of instruction as children explore with provided supplies and build/reflect on past knowledge. I also employ a cognitive, sequential mode of instruction because I work with many age groups simultaneously and am engaged in their program planning/curriculums. 

UNDER 5 

Sensory play begins as color oriented. I pre-make the slime, and provide food coloring in primary colors. The children explore color mixing for secondary colors, and making darker shades. To guide their color exploration, they can refer to the rainbow decorations and color-organized supplies (books, pencil crayons etc.). As they get older, they begin intentionally making specific colors. 

5 

Children make slime for themselves. I provide individual bowls of glue, and communal bowls of laundry detergent with measuring spoons. This way, they learn that glue has a higher ratio than laundry detergent, and become familiar with baking supplies. 

OVER 5  

I place slime supplies on the table (Tide laundry detergent, Elmer’s white glue, food coloring and occasionally shaving foam). They recall what glue and laundry detergent have in common with each other (relational knowledge). I also make themed days, such as Messy Monday, so they can categorize the type of activity.  

I place ingredients in their original containers on the tables, with bowls and mixing supplies. Then, I begin making my own slime. Over the year, I will model different ways of mixing by : 

  • Bringing two bowls of ingredients to the table and mixing them in a third 
  • Pouring both ingredients into a single bowl 
  • Mixing them directly on the table  

To guide “if___ then___” process, and make them aware of their own problem-solving skills, I ask them questions in response to their problems.  

Child: “Lizzie my slime is too sticky/slippery” 

Me: “Hmmm, do you think we should add more glue, or more laundry detergent?” 

Children become aware of the solutions available, and can either figure it out based on past knowledge (sticky glue counteracts slippery laundry detergent and vice versa), or they use trial and error.  

I have only had to get glue out of a child’s hair once, and since then that child has requested a hair elastic during all Messy Monday activities 

ALL 

I ask reflective questions and provide positive feedback by making statements and asking question such as: 

“Woah that’s such a pretty color, what did you mix?” 

“Hey that slime is super runny, and that slime is really stiff, what did you two do differently?” 

“I really want to make mine purple, can somebody help me? …Oh well what if I add yellow, then what will happen?” 

“What other stuff might be cool to add to slime?” 

“I don’t know what happens if we add milk, let’s try it!”