Mind Map

Here is a mind map to outline the learning domains that have been addressed throughout. This can help give you a better understanding of how the big idea of light can create great learning for children and address areas of development that you may not have thought of before. 

Each domain is referenced from the Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten document that can be found at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/kindergarten.html. A big idea can provide many connections for children to engage in, and by the teacher's documenting and allowing children to document their work, it will provide children the opportunity to see their own learning and areas they can improve or investigate more on. 

Exploring Loose Parts

After the children began investigating the light table and used it as a writing station, the child's next step may be to add loose parts to allow greater exploration of  light and how it may work with other materials. Loose materials are a great way for children to explore, due to the fact that there is no given way to use the materials and gives the children the exploration to imagine any way possible.

Pamela Humphrey posted a representation of how loose materials and children's imagination can provide great learning. Her blog post really inspired me as I have only seen transparent LEGO blocks or puppets at the light table. Just by allowing children to gather loose materials from around their home and classroom, the children have transformed the light table into an investigation, exploration and curious environment to enjoy.

The teacher can also provide materials that allow children to investigate what materials allow light through them and what materials do not. Looking at the document of Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program (FDELK), teachers can see the children's learning and goals.

In the domain of science and technology, the child may make predictions and observations before and during investigations (FDELK 2011, 2.2, p.118). Looking at the photo above the children may think that light will shine through the entire bead, but once they explore the materials they will discover that the light does not shine through a solid object.

Again looking into the domain of science and technology, the child may select and use materials to carry out their own exploration (FDELK 2011, 2.3, p.119). Looking at the photos above, the teacher has provided fun and interesting materials that use colour to spark the children's exploration of light. Even the children were able to come up with the idea of taking an art project (photo on the right) and transporting it to the light table to explore the vibrant colour it provides with light. I was pleased to see how the Kindergarten teacher allowed the children to create and move materials around the room to spark their imagination and curiosity. The children were able to explore their questions and find the answers to them.

Looking into the domain of mathematics, the child may sort, classify, and compare objects and describe the attributes used (FDELK 2011, DM5.1, p.110). The picture about really caught my eye and reminded me how much I love the big idea of light! The children were able to sort the objects by colour, and comparing the differences between them. I also noticed that the pinks stars are sorted together and the clear diamonds are sorted together, so the children are able to classify them by shape as well. Very impressive how children can surprise us with their on-going learning! 

Again in the domain of mathematics the child may identify, create, reproduce, and extend repeating patterns through investigation, using a variety of materials (FEDLK 2011, P4.1, p.109). Children are very bright and can learn in their own unique ways. Just by seeing this picture above you can see how the child was able to identify the materials and create a pattern using the materials they have access to. Teacher's don't always need math booklets and long lessons to teach children about patterning, providing loose materials and the curiosity of light can spark the child's interests and allow them to learn patterning and other wonderful aspects on their own.

This last picture made me smile when viewing this great blog! I love to see children's imagination and inspirations come to life. In the learning domain of arts, the child may explore a variety of tools, materials, and processes of their own choice to create visual art forms in familiar and new ways (FDELK 2011, V2.1, p.153). The blog states that the child has created a representation on Mickey Mouse using loose materials. The children's ideas and interests provide great sparks of inspiration and allow children to make connections across the curriculum. By having great pictures to document their learning children are able to continuously grow on their thinking and find new and interesting ways to investigate and explore the world around them.

To view this blog please press on the link provided http://passionatelycuriousinkindergarten.blogspot.ca/

DIY Light Box

Ever wondered how to make your own light box?
Well thanks to Kids Connect pinterest board, it's easier than ever!

Check out their board for great ideas at http://www.pinterest.com/kinderfynes/

Light Table Writing

This post by Joanne Marie Babalis really caught my attention as there was no written text with the very interesting photos that were posted. I really thought this was a great idea for children to practice their writing by tracing their letters on the light table. What really made me enjoy this post was how the children were able to trace their own bubble letters. I remember during my placement in the Kindergarten field, many children wanted help creating fancy letters, and the big demand was bubble letters.

Looking at the document of Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program (FDELK), teachers can see where the child's learning and goals may be:

In the domain of science and technology, children may state problems and pose questions as part of the design process (FDELK 2011, 2.1, p.117). An example in this case would be "I want to make bubble letters, I wonder how I am going to do that". By having the light reflection through the paper, the child will easily be able to trace and draw.

In the domain of science and technology, children may select and use materials to carry out their own exploration (FDELK 2011, 2.3, p.119). In this case the child may have gathered materials from the classroom with the help of the teacher to make their idea come to life. Children have great imaginations and ideas that should be heard, investigated and put into action!

I was pleased to see that this Kindergarten teacher allowed her students to use materials in all the areas of the room. Many places I have been have restrictions on the children such as art materials stay at the art table or blocks stay on the carpet. By allowing other materials into all areas of the learning environment, children are able to explore many different domains of learning into one activity. In this case the light from the table provides the children a work space that is different than a regular desk they may be prone to drawing and writing on.

Looking again into the FDELK document, other domains are seen through this creative science exploration include:

In the domain of language, the child may demonstrate an interest in writing and choose to write in a variety of contexts (FDELK 2011, 4.1, p.88). By providing children opportunities to use materials in ways that may not always be the true purpose provides children an area to explore and find pleasure in such activities. In this case the child can be enjoying the time to explore with the light while tracing, drawing, and painting their name.

In the domain of visual arts, the child may demonstrate an awareness of personal interests and a sense of accomplishment in visual arts (FDELK 2011, V1.1, p.151). Children who are given the opportunity to explore their interests are able to identify their strengths and enjoy their learning. In this case the child was able to paint their name and explore an interest they may have.

From this great exploration of light, children can take their investigations even further. The post can be found at http://myclassroomtransformation.blogspot.ca/2011/10/our-new-light-table.html.
Through a constructionist lens, you can understand the learning that is visible.

Messing About with Light

It all started in class when we got to mess about with light. I thought this was something I already knew and felt it was just a waste of time. Once I got my hands on the materials, I was eager to start messing around. Just using a small drawer from IKEA and various sizes and intensities of lights, a light box was created!

The materials all provided a different effect on the way light was reflecting. I almost felt that I was never given the real opportunity to actually play and discover the wonders of light. I found during this whole experience I was learning many big ideas that I never thought could even be related to light. 















My favourite part about the whole experience was creating "a line of light". I found this quite amazing to create and see. It was something I have never had the opportunity to do, and after making it I felt as if I have accomplished a life long childhood dream!

Through this blog I will reference to Kindergarten teacher's social media and build on their ideas using a constructionist approach. A document that will be referred to often is Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program curriculum which can be accessed at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/kindergarten.html.

Enjoy!