This month, the children immersed themselves in a hands-on, sensory-rich experience using dried glue patch stickers. Jess introduced the activity by providing pre-made glue patches, which the children eagerly explored by sticking and removing them from a wet window. Raelynn extended this exploration by trying the patches on various surfaces, such as the table mat, the ground, and other textured areas—sparking curiosity and discovery among her peers.
As the children became more confident, they began creating their own glue patches using paintbrushes and glue on tinfoil. Penny and Ava experimented with height and gravity, discovering that glue could drip onto the foil when held above it. Meanwhile, Evie and Leila focused on spreading the glue evenly, ensuring every corner of the foil was covered. These moments showcased early scientific thinking and problem-solving.
Color preference became a meaningful part of the experience. Nihal and George both gravitated toward the blue glue—Dean’s favorite as well—while Atlas consistently chose purple, joyfully affirming her choice every time. TongTong and Levi explored color mixing by layering different hues, and Theo expressed his excitement to begin with red as he waited patiently for his turn. These choices allowed children to express individuality and strengthen communication.
There was also a strong social-emotional component. The children demonstrated patience, turn-taking, and kindness as they navigated the shared materials. Lloyd noticed the sticky texture and proudly showed off his blue-covered finger, engaging in a moment of sensory discovery and language expression.
This activity supported a wide range of developmental areas. Fine motor skills were enhanced through brushwork and glue manipulation. Sensory exploration was encouraged through tactile experiences with glue, foil, and mixed textures. Creative and cognitive growth was evident as children observed outcomes like dripping glue and color blending. Social interactions flourished through cooperative play, while language development was supported through ongoing conversations, color naming, and expressive storytelling.
Looking ahead, we plan to build on this interest by introducing new materials such as cardboard, fabric, and paper to further explore glue’s properties. We will also offer a variety of tools like cotton balls, sponges, and straws to inspire new textures and techniques in the children's creative explorations.
This month, the toddlers dove into a creative sensory experience with homemade glue patch stickers! From experimenting with textures on windows and tinfoil to exploring color mixing and dripping glue, the children were curious, focused, and full of ideas. They showed incredible teamwork, patience, and excitement as they created, shared, and made discoveries together. This activity supported their development in so many ways—fine motor skills, sensory exploration, language, social skills, and early science concepts. We can’t wait to build on their interest by introducing new textures and tools for even more hands-on fun and learning!
