Back at the Salon...

Over the course of several weeks, we have been watching AV approach different children and gently play with their hair. She is particularly interested in relationships and typically moves close and tries to join in whenever the children form a group. She likes to be involved with all the interactions she witnesses whether they are with materials or other children. On this day we were able to capture her lifting FF's hair while she finished eating. It was a purposeful exchange with F allowing it to happen and A being gentle and purposeful. We suspect that this exchange might have been triggered because we have spent a great deal of time showing how to touch others gently and softly. A seems to enjoy this exchange and tries it out frequently, stopping periodically to look in the other child's face and talk to them.

Baby Baths

After noticing the children's interest in babies, we thought it might be a stimulating activity to wash the babies outside. It was actually AN's idea, as he is very interested in all babies, real or pretend! The baby bath was a huge hit and the children proceeded with great care and gentleness! Note that this interest developed shortly after AN joined our group of learners.

Basket Hat!

The Caterpillar

Spring is here and worms and caterpillars are everywhere! On this day we found a caterpillar (moth) and were able to observe it up close. Note that the children's facial expressions reflect disgust and curiosity at the same time. N, our neighbor and friend, spends a great deal of time working in her organic garden (if you get a chance ask to visit - it is fabulous! Mom is a Professor of Horticulture and Dad is a scientist at the CDC so we have wonderful experts about nature a few doors down!) and does not hesitate to touch the caterpillar. Mel attempted to keep the caterpillar on her arm for as long as she could so they could have look and take their time deciding if they wanted to touch the caterpillar. N's ease with touching it prompts the others to give it a try. We are thankful that we are able to use the environment right outside the door for experiences with nature.

Hugs

During our time together we experience all types of physical play, which has meaning and purpose. Young children often use physical touch to communicate. In this series of photos, FF and JL, who are good buddies, were enjoying an embrace and maintained it for awhile.

When we (Cheryl or Melinda) move to the floor the children each come to us to receive some form of touch (hug, sit on lap, touch hair, etc.). In many ways this physical contact deepens our relationships and it is a human need that is often overlooked or ignored. Children crave that contact and it helps them feel safe and grounded.

Muffin Tin

We took this photo because CM enjoys finding just the right-sized items to fit into the muffin tin. We see this arrangement frequently and decided to document it. Each of the children do unique things that are specific to them. Watch for more posts on this topic as we observe each child's individual way of interpreting the world and representing their ideas and thoughts.

The Box

JL (and all the children) loves a box! On this day he spent a great deal of time putting items in it and carrying it around the room. Children seem to be fascinated with the idea that you can hide things and then reveal them again. You can take objects you have had in your environment for months that have held little or no interest for your child, hide them in a purse or box and they become fascinating! In this instance J choose to put in a book, car and block.

Utensil Practice

Picking up on the interest generated by watching AB eat, the children responded to using utensils with a renewed interest. We talked about them growing older and eating by themselves. They are using utensils successfully, albeit a little messily, here.

Towers and Lines

JL enjoys a rare solitary moment at the Lego table and builds his tower in order to knock it down, an activity he particularly enjoys. This is a fairly common pattern with almost all the children when they are working with Legos. Some build the line horizontally and then build a vertical tower, while others line the Legos up on the ground and later transfer that to the table. Its a good reimder that there are many wasy to do things and the children are showing us their thought processes. It is a privilege to observe their thinking and to learn from them in a reciprical relationship.

AB Eating

AB is now eating food and its a great source of interest for the other children! While A eats, the others gather and watch intently. They are curious about the texture of his food so we discuss teeth and why his food is gooey. Everyone looked in A's mouth for teeth and then used a mirror to look his or her mouth. Each day they watch us feed AB and new questions surface. Its a great opportunity for discussions about things like food, teeth, tongues, utensils, nutrition and more.

Cutiosity!

Baby Play

We've noticed an increased interest in baby play lately and extended this play by staging a baby wash outside. We noticed that several of the children were later attempting to change the doll's clothes and put them down for a nap. We joined in the play by talking quietly when the babies were "sleeping." We asked them if the babies were sick or just taking naps, and they told us that they were sleeping (great language practice). JL was the first to move his baby close to him for a 'snuggle.' AN placed his baby nearby for a nap. Once the babies woke up we talked about changing their diapers and keeping them clean. The boys immediately began to wipe and clean the dolls. Playing with dolls offers wonderful opportunities for the following types of growth:

-broadening perspective of others (babies need a caretaker)

-ceveloping compassion (Baby is hurt and crying - how can we help?)

-practicing complex thinking (what happens when the baby is hungry and we have no food?)

Small figures are great to take on trips too, for deep imaginative play in small spaces.