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I’ve talked before about how young children sometimes will be curious about a provocation or not. I’ve also talked about how using the materials you have is a great way to incorporate recycling into your curriculum. Above I had set up a small provocation using boxes, blocks and wooden dolls, our fairies. And I used a piece of fabric to place them all onto. I had no idea if this would be an interest or not, but I tried anyway.

It turned out that one of my students chose to remove the blocks from the table and take them to the construction/ block interest area to build with. The boxes, dolls and fabric were all left behind. So I decided to follow this child and put the boxes and dolls in the construction/ block area too. At first block building dominated and no interaction with the dolls took place. However, just as I was about to give up on my provocation entirely, this student decided the dolls needed furniture. :)

2008-01-01 12.27.51 It turns out that the provocation wasn’t a fail as I thought it was. This child made it her own and took it in the direction she wanted. She moved the blocks to an area she could build, then she used the blocks to make furniture for the dolls. She explored, constructed and planned using her own timing and ideas. I mentioned the word “planned” second because often times young minds construct first and formulate ideas and plans as they go. Constructing knowledge as they engage in hands-on projects enables their young minds to experiment with the many ideas running through their heads.

Sometimes it can be very difficult as a Teacher to sit back and wait. Sometimes it is important to follow the child’s lead and then step back again. Waiting, watching and listening are all part of the documentation process and of being a Teacher, Mentor and Facilitator.

100_8294 As this child started to story tell about the dolls/ fairies she used our wooden tool bench, tools, and alphabet puzzle pieces and incorporated them into her story. This child was also integrating the content areas such as mathematics when building, for example, measuring, comparing sizes, shapes and balancing each block. She also entered into literacy development when she started story telling. Allowing young children to express their individual ideas and creative thoughts is all a part of a strong learning foundation. This simple example is what enables children to take risks with their learning as they grow older. We want children to have confidence and the ability to make difficult decisions as they grow into adulthood and become responsible citizens. It all starts in the early years of development.

Heidi Scott, BA & MIT :)

The Marigold School of Early Learning

Preschools in Vancouver, WA, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning

Oak Trees

October 19, 2015 marigold40

Oak trees are so pretty, but sometimes they will react to bees trying to infest the branches to make their nests. The infestation causes the tree to form galls. In the picture to your right are two oak leaves and one example of a gall. For those of you who have oak trees galls are something you may want to get rid of, but for the purposes of education I wanted to explore this as a provocation for young minds.

Here is a close up of a gall from an oak tree. Notice the cream color with darker brown spots. Galls are a great way to teach children about how not all plant life is meant for insects and how insects can hurt a tree. For young children I would start out with stories about the specific tree or plant life I want the children to explore. This may not be an interest to the children yet, but once we visit the topic in very well may become a huge interest. To learn more about the tree I would encourage discussions around the topic. Next I would set up a project approach with the children. This way the children are partners with me, the Teacher, and will be engaged in the whole process of learning about galls without this being a Teacher driven and directed project. The children will plan each step of the project with the Teacher; we are partners in learning.

For a project approach, like other first steps in provocations there are many questions. So the children and I will ask questions about what a gall is and how it is formed and why does it grow? I will write down all of the children’s questions and all of my questions. Next I want the children to not only be exposed to the books that tell us all about oak trees, but I want pictures of healthy and unhealthy oak trees. Oak tree pictures with no galls and ones with galls. Having a real gall and leaves for the children to touch and feel and examine is always my preferences for young concrete minds. From our initial discussion the children and I will go back and forth with more inquiries, explorations and ideas to express understanding in different ways. In other words we will use all of our materials and interest areas to explore this scientific topic.

One way in which the children will construct knowledge about this subject is by drawing their own version of a gall. So I’ve set up one provocation allowing for only one child at a time to examine and draw the gall if she/ he chooses to. For a project approach other areas of interest are set up with more information about oat trees, so the rest of the class is engaged in different investigations of oak trees and the formation of galls. With projects their are aspects that children will engage in together as a whole group, in two’s as a team or as individuals. All aspects will come together as a whole in the end. Depending on how in depth the children wish to go with this scientific inquiry, we may end up doing a culminating event in which we not only show the process from start to finish and all of the in between, but all of our reflections as well. We may be able to display our findings and put together an event for families to come and learn about galls too! :)

One thing to always remember is that no matter what content is explored and used throughout the project, the children are the ones leading the way with their interests. As the Teacher I am a support, facilitator and partner in this project. I am not giving direct instruction and telling the students what they need to know about oak trees and galls. I am the one providing rich scientific literature and a variety of resources for the children to explore this subject thoroughly. I don’t want children to skim the surface of subjects, I want them to dig deep and actually learn about the world we all live in by constructing knowledge together. I want to prepare and strengthen the foundation for all future learning. Young minds are capable of deep understanding if only given the chance and faith from the adults around them. :)

Investigate the formation of galls on your own and see what information you find! Share the types of plant explorations you’ve investigated with your young minds! I would love to read all about your experiences too! :)

Heidi Scott, BA & MIT The Marigold School of Early Learning!

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Clay, Buttons and Oil Pastels

October 14, 2015 marigold40

Using clay and buttons as a simple number provocation is another way to incorporate mathematical experiences into your classroom. Some children will come over and use the oil pastel to try and trace the number and the buttons. Other children will copy the number and buttons free hand. And still others may squish the clay and use the buttons to create something entirely different. Children not so comfortable with textures like clay will push the clay aside and use the oil pastel to draw instead. These are all things I have seen many children do each time I’ve done this provocation or a similar one.

Provocations like these are meant to get the children thinking. When asked, “what number is this?” “Zero!” is always the reply. Zero is also a circle shape, head, eyes, balls etc. Children will take this as a number symbol or use any of the other forms it takes to create a unique picture. Sometimes a child will have a lot to say about his/her creation and other times just the moments spent working with clay and allowing themselves to relax before engaging in other areas that require social interaction will be enough. What each child gains from a provocation is not always up to the Teacher. Children will stick to the surface or dive deep with their inquiries, explorations and creations. As a Teacher I am close by to push the child’s thinking a bit further when I can.

I chose an autumn theme for the colors of clay, buttons and oil pastels, but you could always choose the colors you see and hear your children wearing, choosing and telling you they like. This was my way of incorporating a seasonal color theme without all the “cookie cutter” close-ended units and lessons. I find it fascinating to be able to set up a provocation and wait to see how the children interpret the meaning for themselves. And I love being able to scaffold with each child, building onto and opening doorways in their minds for deeper understanding. The button alone could spark a brief discussion on the buttons a child has on his/ her shirt or coat. The child may remember a family member like a Grandfather or Grandmother having buttons to play with when they visit. Children have rich memories and experiences each brings to the classroom and I never know what provocations will spark special memories. Memories are worth writing down and appreciating.

I tried to pick out buttons that were similar in color yet have a different appearance. Each button is of a different size and has specific surface details. The picture above has two yellow buttons, yet each is of a different size and has a different number of holes. The surface textures of both have a different design as well. These are details I noticed and sometimes the children will notice these on their own and be interested in the differences. Other times children will not pay attention to these fine details because they do not consider them to be important details. This is where as a Teacher I can point out and question the children about what they see as being the same and what is different. Pointing them is a direction I would like them to notice sometimes leads to more questions from the children as to why the buttons are not the same. It can also spark memories of experiences with other clothing or toy items that are different and the same. Keep the conversations open and keep them going when you see an opportunity.

Color differences are also noticeable between the clay, oil pastel and buttons. This could lead you to set up more provocations with the color spectrum in mind. Exploring colors and how color is created could lead the children into a great scientific exploration. Discuss with the children things in nature that are green and all the different shades of green. Bring in leaf and grass samples to set up and compare the differences in color. Since it is Autumn you could also use this time to teach the children about how the leaves turn in the fall and why. Nothing too heavy because the children are ages three, four and five, but enough scientific information that keeps them asking more questions and keeps the topic open for further investigations. Let the children lead you in what you add to the curriculum. Rich learning and strong foundations for further learning happen when we, Teachers and Parents respect the interests and knowledge young children inquire and talk about.

Heidi Scott, BA & MIT The Marigold School of Early Learning! :)

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Fabric and Buttons!

October 12, 2015 marigold40

Using textures and small manipulatives like buttons for beginning patterning provocations is another way to introduce mathematic concepts to young minds in a non-intrusive way.

This is an example of how you can display biggest to smallest using buttons. The idea when setting up provocations like this one with fabric and buttons, is to keep in mind this is an open-ended exploration. Watch, listen and observe how one or all four children at the table use the materials or choose not to use them. Revisit this provocation and from the observations and words of the children formulate questions to spark a discussion of possible uses for fabric and buttons. You may be surprised at what non-conventional ways the children will come up with. :)

Using different nature based or Autumn colors is another way to stimulate a child’s young mind in terms of creativity. Here is a cream colored fabric with yellow buttons along with leaf patterns and a star shape. These small details may be noticed by the children and this could inspire one or more to draw or paint a picture of leaves or stars. The children may ask for clay to sculpt a flower. You never know where a young mind will take a provocation.

Now you may be thinking this is too abstract, not enough information for a young mind. However, my expectations are for the young mind’s capacity to question, explore ideas and take risks creating things inspired by a provocation like this one. Conversation and deep discussion can come about from the children for different uses of fabric and buttons. Sizes, shapes, colors, textures are all a part of the natural and artificial world in which all children live and breath. Use what you have to provoke deep thought, questioning, exploring and constructing minds of the young children you teach or care for.

Patters are in real nature and they are in artificial nature. Here is an example of using the colors in the fabric to create with buttons a red and yellow pattern. Again this is a provocation which may lead a young child to extend the pattern, or it may inspire them to draw or sculpt. As a Teacher my ideas and adult expectations have to be put on the back burner. I have to be patient and wait to see how young three, four and five year old minds will interpret and create with exposure to a provocation like this one. The types of questions I ask to further exploration may differ for each age group or I may observe how each child of a different age influences another’s ideas and constructions based on this one provocation.

Give this provocation a try! See what your young preschool children come up with. Let me know how it worked out for you. Let me know if it did not work and how you changed the provocation. How did your discussions on this provocation unfold and what insights did you gain in terms of how each child interpreted the provocation? I want to hear from you! Please like and share!

Thank you!

Heidi Scott, BA & MIT The Marigold School of Early Learning :)

Preschools in Vancouver, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning

Ways to use fine motor skills and communication

September 21, 2015 marigold40

Lacing cards are a great way to incorporate fine motor skill practice. It is also an opportunity for a Teacher or Parents to role model and guide a young child during their first tries at this task. Once the child has mastered the concept it is a great way for the child to continue to develop those small muscles in their hands and wrists. :)

Lacing cards are also a good lead in to learning how to tie shoe laces on children’s shoes. The key to remember for both tasks is that it takes time. Allow your child time to experiment and practice. Be there to guide and support and not criticize.

Lacing cards are also a task that allows the Teacher or Parent to dialogue with children about anything of interest to the child. Asking open-ended questions such as, “What are you thinking right now?” or “What other ways do you think you can use laces?” are a couple of questions that can stimulate a child’s mind and cause him/ her to think about things they may never have really thought too much about. Give children time to think once you’ve asked a question and take the time to really listen to his/ her answers or their questions. Children are better communicators than we think once we really listen to them. The key to children communicating effectively with each other is slowing them down and helping them develop the social skills needed to listen to their peers in the same way they listen to adults they respect.

100_7884 Using small wooden dolls to encourage reading and telling stories is also another way of utilizing fine motor skills and communication. This time the dialogue can be about stories the children currently love and can’t get enough of, or stories they’ve never heard until today. The children may be inspired by the stories a Teacher or Parent reads and they may use their dolls to act out the characters. More creativity and detail can go into a child’s inspired representation of a story if given the chance to allow their ideas to emerge. Teacher’s and Parents are scribes until the child is older and can write for themselves. Fine motor development happens as children create the world the doll lives in as he/ she creates the story props. Recyclable materials come in handy for encouraging a child to continue with his/ her creative story telling and fine motor development. Once again deep and enriching learning is happening when children are allowed to explore, create, question and implement ideas encompassing fine motor and communication development.

Remember to always look at your recyclable pieces as a “loose part and intelligent play thing”. If your not sure of what this term means, take some time to research this and let me know what interesting things you find out! :)

Heidi Scott, BA & MIT The Marigold School of Early Learning

Serving children ages three to five years!

Preschools in Vancouver, Preschools in Vancouver, WA, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning (Marigold)

Colorful Counters

September 1, 2015September 1, 2015 marigold40

My new wooden dolls came in this great divider and I thought it was perfect for my new colorful counters! Reusing items you already have is not only more cost effective but easier on our environment as well. :)

Using colorful counters to incorporate shapes and letters are a couple ways of using this very versatile tool! I roughly drew some common shapes on the perimeter of the paper and then used the counters to outline, then I made a capital letter “S”. This would be an example for children of a more close ended provocation. However, it is only close ended if the children do the same thing with their attempts or if this turns them off to trying. Most young minds will take note of what they see and do exactly what they want, which is what I want, so it is a win, win situation for all. :)

With this provocation I am incorporating both mathematics and literacy. Children can either continue with making shapes, separate the colors for each shape or move on to letter formations. More creative minds will use the counters to create more imaginary pictures and if they are in the mood to share I can scribe their ideas, explanations and stories. One thing to always remember is that when you become a young child’s scribe you are capturing a child’s imagination and showing him/ her your respect for their thoughts. You are also helping that child develop an appreciation and understanding for literacy. Children value their own words more and want to learn about letters and words with more intensity if they are learning literacy through their own creative and purposeful thoughts. Never underestimate a child’s imaginative stories or real life explanations for his/ her thoughts. A child’s own words can be just as powerful if not more so than books at certain points during their young development.

This is also another example of how to use small learning spaces to their maximum. Two provocations are set up for standing work, counters and painting. Just think about how often you see your child standing and engaging in an art or craft project. Think about how often you offer him/ her a chair and they refuse by pushing it away. Sometimes children learn better by standing and allowing their whole being to be involved in the learning process rather than sitting in a more confined and restful pose. We want children to literally be active learners because they are by nature. So why not set up a learning environment that supports how they naturally learn. :)

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Heidi Scott, BA & MIT The Marigold School of Early Learning

Preschools in Vancouver, WA, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning

Reggio Inspired Natural Provocation

May 26, 2015 marigold40

I have this tree/ shrub that is very evasive, so I don’t mind clipping off of it now and then. I also have some lemon mint, so I decided to set up an alphabet and number provocation using those two plants. :)

I set up paper, small glue cups, paint brushes, pencils, water and the two greens I discussed above. Now at first you may think the children would immediately just glue or draw what I have set out; well, not so. Usually when I set up a provocation like this it looses it’s open-ended feel for the children, so they change things to the way they would prefer. However, there is always one or two children that become a bit more curious about what and why things are set up the way they are. It doesn’t bother me if the children change the entire provocation. What is important to me is that the children each take interest and go deeper with their curiosity.

By going deeper with their curiosity, I mean that I enjoy watching and listening to children discuss their ideas among each other. I enjoy the fact that they have questions and can share information they know. Children enter the classroom with knowledge and sharing things they know only encourages and opens up the world of education. Learning through play and through the valuable interactions among peers is so very important.

With this particular provocation I took the time to set up both the beginning letters of “mom” and “dad”, yet those letters can also represent the beginning letter in a child’s name. I also set up the numbers one and two. The children can either choose to glue the leaves in the formations they are arranged or they can glue them in a different way. If they want to use the pencils to trace or free draw their own creations based on what they see that is also fine.

Another aspect to this provocation is that the children will notice the tiny vanes (carrying oxygen and nutrients to the plant) in each leaf (lung of a plant). If the children have had prior crayon rubbing experiences, they will know to put a leaf under their paper and use a pencil to color over the top. Most often I have introduced this particular concept to the children, yet once in a while a child will remember the experience and share with others, which in my opinion is the best way. :)

Displaying how letter and number symbols can be created and used with nature gives young minds experience exploring and manipulating two symbols that will become vital skills as they grow older. Seeing a letter can spark a discussion about names and how we spell names. It could also spark a discussion about how old each friend is. There are many directions this provocation can take children’s discussions and interests. As the Teacher it is my responsibility to make sure I find ways to support each child’s curiosity and make it a real experience we all can learn from. Reading and writing early can happen when we are able to see and hear the children’s needs and respond to those academic developmental needs in a concrete and play based way.

Another aspect I wanted to discuss is the texture and scent of both leaves. One leaf is smooth and long, while the other is shorter and rougher. And one leaf has a strong lemon-mint smell. So many discussions and further studies in this one provocation. Science, number and letter recognition, texture, relation to real life experiences and so much more all from this simple provocation using materials we all have access to.

An important reminder to all that introduce scented plants to children. Make sure you’ve discussed eatable plants and no-edible plants with the children prior to their working with those materials. :)

I also wanted to point out that this provocation will become messy and that is great! Children can learn how to forget themselves while in the process because learning is more important than keeping things super neat. Once they have finished is when we practice taking care of our materials and making sure the interest area is ready for another friend to explore. Through a lot of practice children become used to the routines and the environment becomes not only a “third teacher”, but a space in which the children learn how to respect and value. Patience is the most important thing when I set up all the interest areas. Being messy is a part of being a curious child and a part of true learning. :)

Heidi, The Marigold School of Early Learning

Preschools in Vancouver, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning

Flower, Paint and Crayon Provocation

May 18, 2015May 18, 2015 marigold40

This may look daunting, but just wait, I will explain. :)

I set up a lavender rhododendron, purple and pink tempera paint (washable), two different paint brushes, green and brown crayons, small rectangular paper and finally blue play dough. I also made sure there were half filled jars of water with rocks at the bottom for weight. (No tipping :) )

The idea behind this is for the children to explore a provocation with a multiple layer of artistic materials. Due to there being more materials to work with and the table being much more busy than with just one provocation, I like to have a class meeting to inform the children of items they will use. Then I like to generate a discussion with the children to find out from them what kinds of ideas they have for those materials.

Here are some ideas we came up with:

* making flowers out of the dough and painting the dough.

* counting the round dough and writing the numbers with the crayons and then painting over the crayon.

*painting the flower and using the dough as a name tag or marker for the kind of flower each person paints. Then using the crayon to add the stem and leaves.

*making flowers out of the dough and using the paint to outline the flowers. After that adding the stems and leaves with the crayons. Asking Ms. Heidi if she would write our words for our pictures. :)

*Ms. Heidi can write our words for our stories. :)

Preschools in Vancouver, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning

Violets and Irises

May 12, 2015May 12, 2015 marigold40

More science and observation with flowers! Violets and Irises are two lovely flowers that grow from two different sources. One is from a seed and one is from a bulb. This would be a great discussion to have with young children, because it is too easy for young minds (even older ones) to assume that all plants come from a seed. Seeds are more commonly discussed and showcased in books and other media, so it is a good idea to show the difference with a variety of colorful and lovely flowers. :)

Violets are so pretty this time of year! They travel all over the yard and right now a good portion of my side yard are filled with them. The great thing is you can supply young children with good quality magnifying glasses and let them explore up close and personal each bunch they can locate. The other great thing for me is when they have bloomed out, I just pull them up and because they reseed, new and fresh flowers bloom once more! :)

If anyone knows what kind of annual this flower is I would love it if you could enlighten me. I planted this last year and somehow it wintered over! I lost the tag, so I just don’t remember what the name is. Comment on my post if you know. :)

The lovely rain has come and is working on keeping the plants well hydrated and green! This is the iris I mentioned in an earlier post. And guess what? I managed to capture a resting bee! Anyway, this iris is a bit deceiving at first because the buds make it appear to be a lovely deep purple, yet when in full bloom you can see the cream color takes center stage and the deep purple fans out into a lovely warm plum. Flowers that change in color are also a wonderful discussion topic for young and curious minds. :)

Please share your flower experiences and any plant explorations your child or class has been up to this spring. I would love to read about them too! :)

Heidi, The Marigold School of Early Learning

Preschools in Vancouver, WA, Preschools The Marigold School of Early Learning

Irises

May 9, 2015 marigold40

Irises are so pretty and they come in so many different colors, designs and sizes! The one below is in the stages of blooming and despite the dark purple appearance, this one is heavier on the cream side with the edges being dark purple. I love watching the actual blooming process in action. The picture below shows one bud is peeking out a bit more so the cream color is starting to show. The morning sun does the flowers justice too. :)

A different angle of the same bud shows how curly the edges will be too. I wanted to mention that with any plants, flowers, vegetables etc. it is extremely important to note poisonous ones and keep those out of reach of young hands. Pictures can do wonders if you can’t actually have the real deal as a provocation or simply on display. Educating young minds on plants that are safe and those that are not really does stick in their minds and they apply this knowledge to their home lives too.

Enjoy the season of Irises because like so many other lovely flowers of spring time, they last for such a brief time! :)

Heidi, The Marigold School of Early Learning

Author: marigold40

Provocation and a Child’s Interest

Oak Trees

Clay, Buttons and Oil Pastels

Fabric and Buttons!

Ways to use fine motor skills and communication

Colorful Counters

Please like and share this post!

Heidi Scott, BA & MIT The Marigold School of Early Learning

Reggio Inspired Natural Provocation

Flower, Paint and Crayon Provocation

Violets and Irises

Irises