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/
