Every January, Valley Pre-School students continue the school’s long-standing tradition of working together to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Part art project, part science experiment, this annual event brings together the work of current and past VPS students and families. Like everything at VPS, what may look like pure fun is actually a rich learning experience. After talking at school about liquids and solids and what happens when water freezes, students experiment at home to learn hands-on. In the days leading up to the event, students create blocks of ice, experimenting with a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and decorative elements. What shapes might be good to put in the sculpture? What container would make that shape? How to get the ice out of the container once it’s frozen? How can we add color? What happens if we add something to the water before we freeze it? Will it sink or float?
Students use everything from cake molds to food coloring to berries, glitter, stones, legos, straws, carrots, beads, and everything in between, to make their pieces completely unique. On the big day, teachers, students and families work quickly to stick all of the shapes together, using slush and spray bottles like glue, to create one solid sculpture from many individual pieces. The final product is a beautiful example of what happens when children are encouraged to learn through their imagination and natural creative spirit.
Valley Pre-School is currently accepting applications for its 3’s and 4’s programs for the 2018-2019 school year. Please visit valleypreschoolinfo.org or call 860-653-3641 for more information or to schedule a tour.