February 2025
"A Sense of Wonder and Awe: The Children’s Connection with the Sky"
As adults, how often do we really take in the wonders that are around us every day?What may seem everyday or even mundane for us can be a source of awe and wonder for young children.
Take the sky for example: we always marvel at a spectacular sunrise, or sunset or even the moon.
But what about clouds? We certainly keep an eye on the sky (especially this time of year with the possibility of snow), but what are the children’s theories? What do they know about the sky?
Since the recent cold snap has eased; we have been taking advantage of being outside as often as we can. And we are starting to notice that the children’s awareness of what’s outside is expanding. It’s not just hearing the ‘whee-ooo whee-oos’ (fire trucks and police cars) or watching the buses and big trucks go by. Sometimes the children can see ‘birdies’ flying, and helicopters or planes. phrase we have heard a little more frequently is “up there” or “up in the sky”.
This photo (unfortunately not a video), captured a slightly different moment! While we were outside, the sky was blue and the sun was shining. However, as it got closer to lunchtime; the wind started to pick up and the clouds began to roll in. As we were gathering at the gate to head inside, one of the children shouted, “The clouds are moving!” And yes, they were right! We could see the clouds moving across the sky, and quite quickly.
For several minutes the children stood still; captivated by the movement of the clouds. No one spoke, we all watched the clouds move.
“Are the clouds moving fast or slow?” I finally asked. “Fast!” was the answer. But they didn’t elaborate further. I wasn’t sure at the time if they needed any other questions. We just enjoyed the moment.
But I wonder what will happen the next time we are outside and we can see more clouds. Will they notice them moving too? We will have to wait and see!
Don McMahon, Early Childhood Educator RECE
Smriti Bhoray, Educator ECE BEd BA in special education
Madhuri Bhalodia, Educator BA BEd
