Thursday, March 10, 2011

Grapes Geometry, 2D-3D Shapes



When I saw marshmallow and toothpick construction post @Pink and Green Mama Blog, my head was running with ideas on how to make shapes with something similar to marshmallows but not marshmallows. I have not given CJ marshmallows. She has a sweet tooth and I didn't want to add marshmallows to the list. So We made geometric shapes, 2D and 3D, using toothpicks and grapes as connectors.

All you need is grapes and toothpicks



This activity may be messy so I just covered the table with a plastic sheet(Generally I use a clean, fresh trash bag as plastic sheet)

I showed CJ how to attach the grapes and toothpicks. With little help she created a triangular pyramid.


After that she started playing around!

Cube






Twinkle, Twinkle Grape Star!




Make an Grape Star using tooth pick and grapes

Diamond




Shapes, Shapes and Shapes!


After all the shape fun, CJ wanted to create some alphabets. She would say an alphabet and I helped her creating them. Here's our Alphabet tray!

Use Grapes & Tooth Picks to make Alphabet shapes

Watermelon cubes, pineapple cubes or for less messy version raisins can be used as connectors.

20 comments:

  1. Wow!! What a fun and clever idea!! I will have to remember this for when my children are learning geometry in school - this will be great fun and a lot of help!!!

    Thank you so much for linking up to Kids Get Crafty - it wonderful to see you there!

    Maggy

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  2. We've done this with marshmallows, but I think grapes are a much better choice! Thanks so much for sharing!!

    I'd love to have you link up to my For the Kids Friday Link Party! Stop on by!!

    :)rachel from SunScholars.blogspot.com

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  3. Love it! Really neat idea!

    I am having a giveaway on my blog. $38 store credit + free shipping from busy little hands to select any cute backpack for kids from her store. Check it out!
    http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/38-store-credit-free-shipping-giveaway.html

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  4. I love the grape idea! Thanks for sharing it!

    Kerri

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  5. Thanks for sharing at the For the Kids Friday Link Party! I look forward to having you back this Friday!

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  6. I love, love, love this idea! Thanks for sharing it with the Play Academy - I'm adding it to our 'To Play' list :)

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  7. i liked all of the posts you shared but this was my favorite, thx for sharing w/ the play academy!!

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  8. I've seen marshmallows but grapes are so much healthier! Thanks for sharing on It's Playtime

    Rachele @ Messy Kids

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  9. What a brilliant idea, Esther! Health, play and learning all rolled into one. We have to, have to do this!

    On another note, I linked up your Caterpillar stamping art in my today's post about stamping ideas. Do come over to have a look... :)

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  10. LOVE the grapes idea! Also thought the same thing about marshmallows - at least these would be good if they ended up in their mouth! GREAT substitute!

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  11. Stopping over from the It's Playtime linky. Thanks for sharing! My son will LOVE this!

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  12. I love this idea -- so I had to feature it this week with some other fine motor activities on It's Playtime! Thanks for coming each week to play!

    Jamie

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  13. Esther - I did this using marshmallows in the classroom & the students always LOVE it. I like the idea of using grapes though - a perfect healthy treat to snack on after you are all done!

    Would love to see you link up t this week's Sunday Showcase - http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/2011/07/sunday-showcase-kid-friendly-linky.html

    Bernadette

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  14. Hi Esther.

    Great Blog! I discovered your blog today and came upon the Grapes Geometry, 2D-3D Shapes page. I have a math games website geared towards kids from preschool up through high school.

    This page would be helpful for my visitors. My site provides free math resources for students, parents,. and teachers. I was wondering if I might feature you and this particular activity on the website. You'll find it at www.learn-with-math-games.com

    Keep up the good work,

    Greg

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  15. Brilliant and health-friendly teaching/learning idea - hope to use with my 2.8 year old and my 8 year old in learning shapes and also share on my parenting page at www.facebook.com/ConsciousParentingApproach - inviting you and your fans to come check us out and say Hello to us too! See you there!! :-)

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  16. Awesome idea. Can't wait to try it with my twin grandkids!

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