B a r b a r a s h e r I l L u s t r a t I o n s b y r a L p h

L
E A R N E D
Children are getting their first lesson in the magic of things changing prop-
erties when they get wet. In this case, they are observing something that
floats when it’s dry and sinks when it’s wet.
Children also have the opportunity to be captivated by the behavior
of water, such as how it can pour through and out of different types of
containers.
These are experiences that will absorb children’s interest and show
them that there are fascinating things in their world to explore.
Follow the Floating Feather
As mesmerizing as watching dancing dust motes, following the trajectory
of a feather is both compelling and calming.
My friend Jenny discovered this game when dropping a feather for her
son to watch. He was so fascinated by the feather’s moving with the air cur-
rents as it gently floated down that he wanted to keep repeating the game.
I’ve even used the fascination with feather movements with a group of older
children. They were wild and winding down from playing a series of lively
movement games. I could feel that the teacher was a little worried about the
high energy. I ended the session by standing them in a circle and having them
gently blow a feather from one person to the next. Peace and calm prevailed.
Games for 1- to 3-Year-Olds
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Focused
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One or more feathers. (A single feather will do, but you can buy a
whole bag of multicolored feathers at a craft store.)
D
I R E C T I O N S
Drop the feather and encourage your child to watch it as it slowly drops.
To help him keep his eye on the feather’s movement, suggest that he catch
it as it falls.
Drop the feather from different heights or in different places in the room
or outside to help him notice how movement is affected by air currents.