Why rice? We all have the need to experience sensory stimulation and most of us form our understanding of the properties of matter by touching and experimenting with various materials. It is very important to the development of the brain to regularly touch and experiment with these properties (in the future they will have to rely on these experiences when they are in science class or when preparing food!). Rice is a good material because it is inexpensive, clean, dry, pours easily, and is non-toxic. Some or our observations: F sits back and watches carefully before digging in, and this is typical of how she approaches most new things. AV pushes her hands deep into the mix, exploring the sensation (strangely, it feels cold). The older boys, JL, O and AN pour and experiment with the way that the rice falls and fill up various cups and pitchers. All of them watch closely as the rice falls...they seem to never tire of watching falling objects! We want to provide this type of experience more often and look forward to warmer weather so that we can provide messier materials outside.
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