Through A Child’s Lens
In a Reggio inspired program children are encouraged to make their ideas visible through many different types of means. When I look around the environment I am captured by their 100 languages through representations. You can clearly see their unique imaginations in their play. Here are some intriguing examples:
Two children play “family”. They use string and mini clothespins to hang the doll clothes. However, they need a fireplace to dry them, so construction paper and blocks are transformed into this role. Fabric becomes their beds; red and blue blocks represent the hot and cold water and they hang a paper stocking over the fireplace to represent Christmas while the play continues to evolve.
A donated train becomes the focus in the program as they unite together like a close knit community to set it up. The following day the animal basket is set up nearby as a provocation before long the whole carpet becomes a Safari like adventure.
Lego is transformed into robots, animals, Pokémon balls and more.
A simple cardboard box from the recyclable centre is renovated with hot glue, paint and Loose Parts into miniature homes. Popsicle sticks and felt are added to make fairies or stick people to engage in a pretend schema.
Media such as plasticine has made an incredible impact as I have seen moulds with incredible detail to pizzas or animals. All in all, children are natural communicators and through Dramatic Arts, expression and opportunity I have learned so much from observing the children this month.Cristy KuokkanenEducator, SSW