- objects of different sizes, shapes, and textures (rubber ball, eraser, marble, chalkboard eraser, pen cap, cloth doll, etc.)
- ramps of different texture (cardboard, wood, sandpaper, felt, etc.)
- bumpy
- farther
- roll
- rough
- smooth
- surface
- texture
MA Standards:
English Language Arts/Speaking and Listening/SL.PK.MA.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners during daily routines and play.
English Language Arts/Language/L.PK.MA.1: Demonstrate use of oral language in informal everyday activities.
Head Start Outcomes:
Science Knowledge/Scientific Skills and Method: Collects, describes, and records information through discussions, drawings, maps, and charts.
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving: Classifies, compares, and contrasts objects, events, and experiences.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
English Language Arts/Language 2: Participate actively in discussions, listen to the ideas of others, and ask and answer relevant questions.
English Language Arts/Language 3: Communicate personal experiences or interests.
Talk Together: Ramps with Different Surfaces
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
STEM Key Concepts: The motion and speed of a rolling or sliding object is affected by the texture of the object and the texture of the surface on which it is rolling or sliding
ELA Focus Skills: Compare and Contrast, Speaking and Listening, Vocabulary
Educator Prep: You may need to prepare different-textured ramps in advance of gathering the children. Glue a sheet of felt, fur-like fabric, sandpaper, etc. to heavy cardboard sheets.
Gather children in a circle. Place the materials in the center of the circle. Have a child hold up one of the objects and roll it down a ramp. Work together as a group to describe what happens when the object is rolled down the ramp.
Encourage children to talk about the textures of the ramps using vocabulary such as bumpy, rough, and smooth.
- Then have children recall the different surfaces they rolled the objects down outside.
- Show any photos or videos taken while children were exploring to help them recall.