The Meaning Behind Expressions

Water play in the tub may seem like simple fun, but it is actually a powerful learning experience. Whether we are splashing, pouring, or watching ripples form, we are exploring the world through hands-on discovery,

Even passive observation can spark learning. For instance, splashing or watching ripples from a distance helps us understand how water reacts to movement. We see that small actions can create big effects, laying the foundation for early scientific thinking.

From water learning experience, we transition to possibilities of mixing water with something else. We come up with foam learning experience to open up new opportunities for cause-and-effect exploration.

We may ask:

• Where does the foam come from?
  
• Why does it hold its shape longer?
  
• What happens when I mix colors into it?
  

This curiosity supports our early scientific habits of questioning, predicting, and observing.

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Once we have combined our ingredients, we give the mixture a good whip using an electric mixer. We can use a manual whisk, but be warned - it is a bit like whisking egg whites for meringue. It will take ages and leave our arm aching!

Emily, ever her usual helpful self, is ready to start working with small tasks. This time, she carefully holds the electric mixer with her steady hands, eyes wide with focus as she watches it whirl and mix the ingredients.

Once the bubbles have formed and are nice and sturdy, we go ahead and add our food coloring. We mix again until the color is fully blended. We repeat this process as many colors as we would like to create.

Foam has a completely different texture than water. It is soft, light, and airy, offering a tactile experience that invites us to squish, squeeze, spread, and mold. This contrast encourages Fides, Tvisha, Nora, and Kai to make comparison and build sensory discrimination skills - noticing how foam feels drier, fluffier, and less runny than water. 

Kalyan mentions that his Dad likes crocodiles. Therefore, he puts a small part inside the heart. He is excited to share that he even makes an eye on it.

Our journey of crafting heartfelt creations for our Dads carries on, filled with excitement, imagination, and love. In the lead-up to Father’s Day, we have been busy pouring our hearts into handmade gifts and creative expressions of appreciation.

Luka puts in a focused effort, using a rolling pin to flatten the dough. When asked if he'd like to try a different approach, he shifts gears, pressing his finger into the dough and leaving behind a distinct fingerprint. With a smile, he shares, "It feels funny."

Once Luka, with support, shapes the dough into a form he finds just right, he gently greets it with a heartfelt, "Hello, Dad!" His imagination and affection intertwine, turning a simple dough learning experience into a meaningful moment of connection and expression.

Through this process, it is heartwarming to see Luka's engagement, his openness to new experiences, and his sensory connection to the material - all valuable elements in our early years learning.

Kai sits at the table with a collection of nuts and bolts in front of him. With visible focus and intent, he selects a bolt and carefully aligns a nut to its threading.

Holding the bolt steady with one hand, Emily uses the other to twist the nut slowly. Sometimes her brow furrows slightly as she concentrates, testing the connection by gently tugging to ensure it is secure.

Satisfied, Kalyan repeats the process with another piece, occasionally adjusting his grip or  switching hands to gain better control. 

Throughout the process, Tvisha is observed to remain engaged, working patiently and independently.

Fides demonstrates strong fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as he manipulates the small materials with care and precision. His sustained attention to the task highlights his growing ability to understand how twisting the nut in one direction tightens it, while the opposite loosens it.

In short, our actions suggest a natural interest in how things work, reflecting early engineering thinking and spatial reasoning.  Our persistence and self-motivation indicate a positive attitude towards challenges and learning through hands-on experience.​

We cannot wait to share these special pieces with our Dads, who do so much every day. Thank you for being part of this joyful and meaningful journey.

"Happy Father's Day, Happy Father's Day, Happy Father's Day, I love you!, Emily sings her heart out, her voice filled with laughter and love - a simple, shining gift just for her Dad. 

Kai says with a shy smile, "I want to build something for him ... and give him a hug and a kiss!" Because to Kai, love means creating with his hands - and sharing big cuddles.

"Because Dad plays with me ... that's why I love him" - Tvisha says with a warm smile, her eyes shining with love. Sometimes, it is the simplest moments that mean the most.

"I love to play with him ... and I love to draw presents for him ... and hug him ... and kiss him ...", Kalyan shares with a warm heart and shining eyes - his love as colorful and full.

Luka: "Hugs ...  and ...  kisses" . Luka whispers softly, cuddling some soft toys in his hands. With a gentle smile, he shares the warmest feeling he knows - just like the ones he gives his Dad.

Our expressions are often a window into: 

• Emotions - joy, love, frustration, excitement, sadness
• Intentions - wanting to help, seeking comfort, showing appreciation
• Relationships - how we connect with others (e.g. kindness in a smile, affection in a "thank you").

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Our voices can be incredibly powerful and moving when expressing love for Father’s Day. Our honesty, simplicity, and emotional openness create moments that are both heartwarming and memorable. 

In our own words, we share what makes our Dads special - from bedtime stories to weekend adventures. Here are just a few of the sweet things we love to say based on questions, "What would you like to give to Dad? And why would you like to give that to Dad?"

Fides: "I want to hug him because I love him".​

Kai: "Hugs and kisses for him because I love him".

Luka: "Ehmm ... hugs .. and kisses ... cos (I) love him".

Kalyan: "I want to draw a present for Dad ... for I love him!"

Nora: ​"I give him a present .. because I love him".

Tvisha: "To give Daddy a high five ... ".

Emily: "I want to draw for him ... draw glasses for him ... to give to Dad".

For us, learning to express ourselves is a vital part of our emotional intelligence. When we use our voices, drawings, or gestures to show how we feel, we unpack to:

• understand our emotions
• build empathy
• connect more deeply with the people around us

Our expressions - whether spoken, drawn, or acted out - carry deep personal meaning, even if they sound simple or playful on the surface.

A child saying, "I made this for you, Dad!" is more than just a sentence - it is an expression of love, pride, and a desire to be close.

From mixing ingredients to designing thoughtful keepsakes, every project has been a chance to celebrate our important father figures our lives. Whether it is a painted masterpiece, a handy surprise, or a heartfelt message, such creation is made with care and pride. Happy Father's Day to all our lovely and loving Fathers!

Kindest,
Children & Friends.