Made felted soap

History

• The child learned about the history of soap making and how it has evolved over time.
• They discovered how different cultures and civilizations used soap for hygiene purposes.
• They gained an understanding of the importance of soap in maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of diseases.
• They learned about the traditional method of felting soap, which has its roots in ancient civilizations.

Math

• The child practiced measuring and weighing the soap and the materials used in the felting process.
• They learned about ratios and proportions when determining the right amount of wool to cover the soap.
• They calculated the cost of the materials needed for the activity.
• They used basic arithmetic skills to divide the soap into smaller pieces for felting.

Physical Education

• The child engaged in physical activity while felting the soap, which requires hand movements and coordination.
• They learned about the importance of using proper hand positions and grip strength when working with the wool and soap.
• They practiced their fine motor skills by carefully wrapping the wool around the soap.
• They improved their hand-eye coordination and dexterity through the felting process.

Science

• The child learned about the properties of wool and how it can be transformed into felt through the application of water and friction.
• They explored the concept of absorption as they observed the wool absorbing the soap and water.
• They gained knowledge of the chemical reaction that occurs when the wool fibers intertwine and create a solid felted layer around the soap.
• They learned about the benefits of using natural materials like wool and soap for personal care products.

Social Studies

• The child learned about the importance of sustainable practices by using natural materials like wool and soap.
• They explored the concept of fair trade by purchasing wool from local farmers or ethical sources.
• They gained an understanding of different cultures and traditions that involve the use of felted soap.
• They learned about the impact of consumer choices on small-scale businesses and artisans.

Continued Development Tip: Encourage the child to experiment with different scents or colors of soap for their felting projects. They can research the history and cultural significance of various scents used in soap making around the world. Additionally, they can explore the science behind different soap ingredients and their effects on the skin.

Book Recommendations

• The Soap Book: Simple Herbal Recipes by Sandy Maine: This book provides easy-to-follow instructions for making various types of herbal soaps, including felting techniques. It also explores the history and benefits of using natural ingredients in soap making.
• From Wool to Felt by Inez Snyder: This book introduces children to the art of felting and provides step-by-step instructions for creating felted projects using wool. It also includes information about the history and cultural significance of felted items.
• The Science of Soap by Cecilia Minden: This book explores the science behind soap making, including the chemical reactions involved in the process. It explains how soap works to remove dirt and germs, and includes simple experiments and activities related to soap science.