Tinkering With Loose Parts
” In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in it” -Simon Nochoidon, Architect It is easy to notice the abundance of “loose parts’ in our classroom. From plastic animals to pennies to seashells, these tiny treasures are…
Wonderings about Light
Light is an element that is naturally fascinating to children. As they explore materials and experiment with placement, children are creating ever-changing murals and learning many principals in the process. Which items are transparent and which are opaque? What can we learn about objects by examining their silhouettes? How does projected light change the size…
Adventures in Toyland
“Toy play is one of the ways in which children nurture their disposition for imagination and fantasy.” David Elkind, PhD. The season of gift giving is upon us. My niece and nephew have already received Hanukkah gifts from their father’s side of the family and are eagerly awaiting the next round of presents that will…
Can you Spot the Hidden Science?
Can you spot the science in the photos above? One of the pictures are from a bird beak investigations we conducted this week, a planned science activity related to our classroom study of birds, yet others depict science and inquiry opportunities embedded in everyday classroom activities and experiences with nature. The National Science Education Standards…
Toy Day: Playful Learning and Skill-Building
All learners need practice in order to achieve skill proficiency in any given subject area. We often think of skill practice as consisting of drills and exercises, yet activities to which the skills are applied are also a means of practice and are often more engaging and meaningful to children. Skills are increased with use.…
Technology as a Tool for Connection
Last night my family met a larger group of extended family at a restaurant. We were seated at a table near a large T.V., and my children were strategic in their choice of where to sit, remaining glued to the television throughout the entire course of our meal. While I cannot blame them for being…
Back to School Tips for Preschoolers
The transition to a new school year can be an emotional time for both parents and children. For many preschoolers, this may be the first time spent away from home and will mark a huge milestone in your child’s new life as a student. While the process will be different for every family, there are…
Summer Enrichment
Parents often inquire about summer enrichment for their preschool and kindergarten aged children and often seem surprised when I do not respond with a carefully prepared packet of worksheets. The summer season provides many wonderful learning opportunities for children, none of which can be reduced to the scale and scope of a simple worksheet. Here…
The Luna Moth
This blog was inspired by a luna moth. A child accidentally stepped on it on the way into school, injuring it’s wing. It was left on the concrete step, trying unsuccessfully to fly when a colleague alerted me to it’s plight. I put it in a plastic bin and brought it into my classroom. As…
Inquiry Muse 