CU 1.03Land and Water Forms (Trays and Cards)
The child pours water into molded trays to see paired land and water forms (island and lake, peninsula and gulf, isthmus and strait, cape and bay), then matches picture and definition cards.
Presentation
- 1
Bring the island tray and the lake tray to the table. Show that the brown shape is land.
- 2
Pour the blue water slowly into the island tray until it surrounds the land.
- 3
Say: 'Land with water all around it is an island.' Trace around the island with a finger.
- 4
Pour water into the lake tray. Say: 'Water with land all around it is a lake.'
- 5
Compare the two trays side by side: one is land surrounded by water; the other is water surrounded by land.
- 6
Give a three-period lesson on 'island' and 'lake'.
- 7
Show how to pour the water back into the pitcher or bucket and dry the trays with the sponge and towel.
- 8
On later days present peninsula and gulf, isthmus and strait, and cape and bay in the same way, one pair at a time.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Match picture cards to the trays
- Match picture cards and label cards, checking with the control cards
- Build the forms with clay or wet sand and water in a tray
- Find each form on the Continent Globe or World Puzzle Map; in Utah, find the Great Salt Lake (a lake) and Antelope Island (an island in the lake)
- Read definition cards and make a land-and-water-forms booklet
Control of error
The water in the tray shows the form directly; labeled control cards show the correct picture and name for each form.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Pours and empties the trays without spills and dries them
- Names all eight forms from the trays or pictures
- Explains a pair in simple words, such as 'an island has water all around it'
Guide note
Present only one pair per lesson. Keep a towel on the tray; many children repeat pouring many times, which is the purpose.