Sensory Exploration

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.

Getting to Know You

AV was one of the first to become intrigues with our newest member here at Small Wonders. She began by squatting down to say "Hi!" and trying to 'sit' with him in the bouncy seat. We gently guided her next to him and she and AD made prolonged eye contact. They primarily look at each other but sometimes AV will talk to him and move her face close to his while AD stares intently at her. This type of interaction usually take place two to three times a day. We hope to support this relationship further by keeping AD near the play of the older children. We will watch for and encourage other types of communication from both of them aas well. This communication is very important and is one of the earliest steps toward language acquisition.

On the Box

This exchange takes place when the cardboard box falls to the floor in front of the door. We find that when it falls all the children either sit or lay on the lid. In the first picture J.L. and A.V. lie next to each other, exchanging the "look" we often see when they engage in this activity. There is a great deal of laughing and pushing close to each other. All of the children find a way to join in this play which is one of the reasons we chose to document this interaction. We find interest in the way they exhange looks and believe that this wordless communication holds importance to this group. We encourage it further and assist those trying to join in the play at a 'new' level.

Welcome to Our Weekly Blog!

Welcome! In order to bring our families into the world we share with their children we are documenting and posting their "work." Each day exchanges take place between children and the world around them that may go unnoticed without careful observation. We are looking to capture experiences between the children, adults and the environment that provoke not only the children's thinking, but ours as well! We plan to reflect on these observations in order to make changes in the environment or in our interactions that will help to create a new level of thinking. You may also find opportunities to connect to their play/work at home and bring in materials that provoke further exploration.

"It is marvelous to witness, when the nine-month old baby looks up and, with wonder, spends much of her day looking at the world above that before this she was not fully aware of. Capturing that experience with a series of photos and a short observation creates a memorable glimpse of the child's daily life. In itself this documentation gives the teacher new insight into that child, insight that can be shared with the child's parents and used to concoct other experiences for that child." Luci, at the Nido Bellelli School, Italy, from "Working in the Reggio Way," by J. Wurm.

By making their explorations and representations visible we hope to create a social-emotional environment that communicates a sense of "we," a value that children will absorb and begin to offer in return. Please feel free to share this site with family and friends, and come along with us to whevever these young people take us next! Enjoy.

Cheryl and Melinda
Early Childhood Care Providers and Educators
Small Wonders Family Child Care