In winter, the nursery can offer a fun and educational activity for babies to explore ice and penguins. For this
activity, adults place small plastic penguins inside containers of water and let them freeze, creating blocks
of ice with the penguins trapped inside. When the ice is ready, the babies have the opportunity to explore
the different textures and temperatures by touching and manipulating the ice, while watching it gradually
melt.
During the exploration, the carers encourage the babies to observe and touch the ice, stimulating curiosity
and sensory development. As well as touching the cold ice, the babies develop their motor skills as they try
to grab the penguins and explore the environment in a playful way. The activity also allows babies to
understand the process of melting ice, promoting the development of logical thinking and language as the
adult asks questions such as ‘Where is the penguin?’.
This activity not only engages babies in a fun way, but also provides a rich sensory experience associated
with winter, stimulating tactile and cognitive development in a safe and playful way.
by Patrícia Alexandra