M is for Monster: Math & Science Preschool Activities
Here are 2 fun monster preschool activities that can be done as a Halloween theme or any time of the year. It also fits in well as a ‘M is for Monster’ letter of the week theme.
Monster Math
The first activity is Monster Math. While browsing a blogging buddy’s website, I was excited to find her free printable googly eye activities. They are perfect for my preschooler because it reinforces numbers/counting and the googly eyes make it a great way to use those fine motor skills. There are other printables besides the monster themed ones we used including spiders.
→ Get the FREE Googly Eye Monster Printables over at Totschooling.
Monster Science Experiment
Have you seen this awesome self-inflating ghost balloon experiment? It’s so neat and sure to have your little ones in awe! We changed it up a bit by adding food coloring and making monsters instead.
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Supplies Needed:
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Food Coloring
- Balloon
- Plastic Bottle
- Markers
How to do the Monster Science Balloon Experiment
Start by making your monster balloon. We made a Frankenstein and a cute monster. I blew the balloons up but instead of tying it shut, I secured it with a pipe cleaner. This way I could easily let the air back out. You could try to draw on it while it’s deflated, but I personally find it easier to draw on it this way. It also keeps the drawing dark whereas if you drew it on while it was little, it tends to get faded when blown up. I loved the way the Frankenstein balloon looked when it was deflated! The shrunken black marks made it seem like it was purchased that way.
For our experiment, I grabbed an empty water bottle (1 Liter – smaller would most likely work too). Pour about a half of a cup of vinegar into the plastic bottle. You can just eyeball it. Have the children add a few drops of food coloring.
Add 2-4 teaspoons of baking soda into the balloon (Either 2 heaping teaspoonfuls or 4 that you used measuring spoons for).
The kids and my hubby loved it! We also took a couple videos. Check it out below. It goes along with the popular Halloween book by Ed Emberley titled, “Go Away, Big Green Monster!” Find out more about the book or purchase it here.
See the Monster Experiment Video Here!
This post is also part of a new collaborative series with 4 other crafty bloggers. Twice a month we will be sharing ideas for the same preschool theme. This week’s creative preschool learning theme is HALLOWEEN.
We would love for you to check out their amazing posts!
- I Heart Crafty Things – Jack-o-lantern Craft & Cutting Practice
- A Little Pinch of Perfect – Preschool Halloween Craft & Learning Ideas
- Pink Stripey Socks – Halloween Ghost Splat Painting
- Handmade Kids Art – Halloween Owl Craft
Last week’s theme: SHAPES
Ooh very fun twist with the food coloring and monsters! Thanks for linking over to my ghost balloons 🙂
You’re welcome! They want to do it again 🙂
What a great way to to do the balloon experiment. We are going to have to try this!
Thanks Jamie!
What a fun science activity, love it!! Thanks for sharing our monster printables!
Thanks for making them so awesome 😉 LOL! Love your printables!
I think Frankie is the cutest! I think we are going to have to make a Frankie of our own!
Oooh…can’t wait to see it!
I love this! My toddler would get a kick out of this activity as he approaches that preschool age!
My 3 year old loved it! Thanks for stopping by Ana 🙂
That activity looks like so much fun and is a great learning opportunity. We will have to try it.
I bet they would love it!
My kids love googly eyes. This is so fun!
What a fun learning activity that is perfect for October! Pinning 🙂
What a cool idea! I love how the monster grows!!!
Thanks Leslie 🙂
We are 100% certainly doing these both next week! Thanks for planning a day for me 😉
Glad to hear you like them! Have a great week 🙂
It looks exciting. I must try. Thank you for posting.