A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

“Close observation of children at play suggests that they find out about the world in the same way as scientists find out about new phenomena and test new ideas…during this exploration, all the senses are used to observe and draw conclusions about objects and events through simple, if crude, scientific investigations.” ~ Judith Roden

On 9/9 and 9/10 we set out on our first adventures together. New and returning children and families had a chance to get into a new routine, to get to know new peers, and to explore Blake Garden.

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GETTING INTO THE ROUTINE:

Slideshow:

Photo 1: Children sit and look at each other as Emma explains how to use one finger to show that they want a turn during circle and how to keep "lips zipped" to listen to the teachers and each other.

Photo 2: Children follow Emma and each other up the path. We talk about how our feet and legs are getting stronger

Photo 3: While eating a snack, children watch as Naomi reads about a caterpillar eating a big snack

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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS:

Here are two examples of children validating, and building on, each other's ideas through collaborative play:

Cade and Orion watch and mirror each others actions.

Koa, Eva and Laura discuss the details of a camping trip. (Sorry, this one's out of focus)

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OBSERVING THE NATURAL WORLD

Children observe the behavior of koi fish and make connections with their own experiences:

*We see two fish's mouths touch*

Ayelet: "Hey they're fighting!"

Liam: "No, they were just kissing"

Teacher Laura: "hmmm"

Liam:"You know, most fish kiss"

Teacher Laura: "They do?"

Ayelet: "yeah, I don't think it's fighting"

Teacher Laura: "How can we tell what they are doing?"

Liam: "Because they're kissing!

Ayelet: "Yeah, they're kissing because they put their mouths together."

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