Show the children the bright bold colors of Van Gogh's "Starry Night," and ask them to discuss how the colors help define, for our sight, the objects in the painting. Then offer the students a chance to use the same colors of yellow, blue, white and brown to paint their own nightscape. Assure them that Van Gogh painted this image from his imagination, so they should use also their inner vision to create their visual representation of the night sky.
Give each child two sturdy paper plates. Offer a selection of objects that can be placed between the plates to create a noise-maker -- for example, beans, coins, toothpicks, cotton balls, feathers and paper clips. For this activity, offer a variety of objects -- some which will make a strong, vibrant sound -- along with others that might make little or no sound. Have them select which and how many items they will use. Have them place the objects between the two plates and tape them tightly together. Tell the to students compare and evaluate the variety of sounds created by the various fillings used to create their noise-makers.
Give each child a large sheet of paper and let him paint with regular finger paint. Ask the children to notice how easily or smoothly the paint goes on and to describe how it feels. Next, with a clean sheet of paper for each child, offer shaving cream or pudding as a paint substitute. Again have them notice how easy it is to use and describe what it feels like. Continue offering as many different substances as you wish -- body lotion, jello, powder or petroleum jelly, for example -- having the children evaluate each substance according to their sense of touch.
Begin this activity by sharing with the children a variety of flowers: some that have strong, heady fragrances, others that offer a lighter fragrance and some that have no fragrance at all. Ask the children to smell each flower and pick three whose flower petals they like best to work with. Have them use the petals to create a collage of a flower. Once each child has made his collage, have him share with other students which flowers he used and why he believes the chosen flowers smell the best. Discuss the different preferences in the sense of smell shown by the children.
Combine Rice Krispies with butter and marshmallows in a pan on the stove or in the microwave oven, stirring and heating until all butter and marshmallows are melted and combined with the cereal. Spread the mixture on a cookie sheet to cool. Once cool, serve each child a wedge to decorate with sprinkles, candies, icing or other edible items. Provide some water or milk and let them eat and evaluate the taste of their handiwork.