Lining Up

We believe that lining up objects is one way that children can organize their world and it also often indicates a strength in mathematical/logical thinking. This is a frequent activity for AN, and here he has lined up the letters on the refrigerator as well as the larger buses and cars. Coming soon - AN opens a store!

Let's Draw!

All of our children enjoy drawing, especially with easy-to-manipulate markers. Most of them are already gripping the marker and making marks in purposeful ways. While they do this, we usually we move from child to child and observe quietly. After a time we may ask them to tell us about a symbol that we recognize or the story behind the drawing. Here, JM was clearly was drawing people. Early writing usually begins with scribbles and then moves to mandalas (circles) and from there to more complex marks. Drawing images is a way to successfully communicate with others your ideas without having to write letters, and we celebrate their symbolic drawing. Though it can be messy, its a good idea to frequently offer writing utensils and paper to small children - you may be surprised at the results if the materials are out on a regular basis!

JL and Duplos

This is an example of sustained focus, showing that very young children can remain engaged in a task or activity for long periods of time. Here JL has built a wall and is playing with Duplo people, creating a lengthy storyline and imaginary dialogue for his characters.

Ring Around the Rosie

Ring Around the Rosie has been sung for hundreds of years and evidently holds a universal appeal for children. Whenever we sing Ring Around the Rosie the children immediately look for others to hold hands and take the fall! Their laughter is delightful. In our work with children we've found that singing simple lyrics and walking in a circle are something all children like to do...sing and spin! There is research on the benefits of spinning and the sensory input that it gives us, shedding light on why these small people do the things they do.

By the way, according to www.snopes.com, Ring Around the Rosie is most likely *not* related to the plague as most of us have been told.
http://www.snopes.com/language/literary/rosie.asps

Sunglasses

Sunglasses provide a never-ending source of amusement for us. Our laughter may be part of the reason the children enjoy attempting to wear them. When the children dress up we usually locate a mirror so they can see and they are delighted with their altered appearance. F has a great sense of humor that allows us to have more complex exchanges. Look for another series of sunglasses photos that took place recently.

Bug

Hard as it may be, we try to resist the urge to brush off bugs when CM is around! She has absolutely no fear of them, and on this day she found a beetle and allowed it to crawl all over her. She was very careful with the bug, talking to it and placing it in different locations. As we have observed in the past, CM is completely fascinated by the natural world!