Classroom Close-Up
"For Free Exploration, I set out water that I had colored blue and ice cube trays. I was certain the children would quickly grow tired of working with one color and move on. To my surprise, every child who chose the activity was completely engaged for an extended period of time. In addition, children returned to this activity day after day. Zoe spent almost a half an hour making different shades of blue. Sasha then tried to match the shade of blue that she thought was the “prettiest.” I took notes as the children discussed their colors, and I described out loud what I observed them doing. I asked them a few things like, “How did you make that very light blue?” but was careful not to grill them with too many questions.
An important note: This activity required a fair amount of monitoring. Once children learned how to use the materials and understood the rules for using the materials, they did fine independently, but it took a few days for this to happen."
—Caroline, Preschool Educator
"With spectacular weather this week, it made sense to begin our exploration outdoors and save some of the indoor activities for rainy days. I took the children to a small garden just outside our playground. Spring was in full bloom, and colors from the flowers, grass, and trees seemed to jump out at us. We did the color game, touching things that were different colors, which the children delighted in."
—Caroline, Preschool Educator