Corn Collages
Cut corncob shapes out of yellow construction paper and corn husk shapes out of green construction paper. Let the children glue the husks on the sides of their corncobs. Then have them brush glue over the cob sections and press on dried corn or popcorn kernels. Some children will be content to just sprinkle on the kernels at random, while others will meticulously arrange them in rows.
Corncob Prints
Wash corncobs and let them dry for several days. Make paint pads by placing folded paper towels in shallow containers and pouring on liquid tempera paint. Let the children roll the corncobs on the paint pads, then roll the cobs across sheets of construction paper to make prints.
Time for Corn
Read the following poem and let the children act out the movements.
Great big giant cornstalk,
Growing in the sun.
Ripe juicy ears of corn -
Let's pick some.
Juicy tender yellow corn,
Put it in the pot.
Pour in the water -
Cook it till it's hot.
Juicy tender sweet corn,
Ready on the plate.
Is it time for dinner?
I can't wait!
Comparing Corn Items
Set out a variety of corn items for the children to touch and compare. For example, you might include cornstalks, ears of fresh corn, dried Indian corn, popcorn kernels, popped popcorn, canned corn, cornmeal, cornflakes, and corn chips.
Sprouting Corn
Place dirt in a small Ziploc bag. Add water and a few kernels of popcorn. Seal the bag and hang it in a sunny window. The popcorn kernels will begin to sprout in about a week.
Estimating Kernels
Place some popcorn kernels in a small clear plastic container and let the children estimate how many kernels it contains. After everyone has had a turn estimating, pour out the kernels and count them together.
Cornmeal Measuring
Let the children take turns playing in a dishpan of cornmeal. Provide a set of measuring cups. Help the children discover that it takes four quarter-cups or two half-cups to equal one cup.
Extension: Add small sand toys to the dishpan for the children to play with.
Standing in the Corn Field
Sung to : "Skip to My Lou"
Standing in the corn field out in the sun,
Picking some big ears one by one,
Cooking up the yellow corn, boy, what fun.
Munching on sweet corn. Yum, yum, yum!
Corn on the Cob
Let the children help you shuck some fresh corn. Boil the corn and cut it into small sections. Allow the corn to cool before serving it at snacktime.
Corn Chowder
Let the children help you prepare your favoite corn chowder recipe for lunch or snacktime.
Corn Chips
Combine 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup boiling water and stir. Add 1 teaspoon margarine and stir until melted. Add another 3/4 cup boiling water and continue stirring. Drop small spoonfuls of the mixture (about the size of a half-dollar) on a greased cookie sheet. Then bake at 425 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes approximately 3 dozen chips.