Mud Wins !
There was excitement outside with the mud hole that was left over from the storm last night . I want to tell you all the things kids learn from playing in a mud hole. Out of their own mouths from the video you heard ” Let’s see if it sinks or floats!” That was without any prompting from me. Children are born investigators.
I will just point out the worksampling indicators that I look for .
While playing in the mud hole –
Personal and Social Development :
Demonstrates Self Confidence
Shows independence and self direction
Follows simple classroom rules and routines with guidance
Manages transitions
Shows eagerness and curiosity as a learner
Attends briefly and seeks help when encountering a problem
Approaches tasks with flexibility and inventiveness
Interacts with one or more children
Interacts with familiar adults
Begins to identify feelings and responds to those of others
Begins to use simple strategies to resolve conflict.
Language and Literacy
Gains meaning by listening
Uses words and representations to describe mathematical ideas
Shows understanding of some comparative words
Shows understanding of some positional words
Science
Uses senses and simple tools to explore
Explores the properties of objects and materials and how they change
Explores how materials and objects move
Explores rocks, water, soil and sand
Physical Development
Moves with balance and control
coordinates basic movement patterns to perform simple tasks
Physical Development
Begins to perform self care tasks
Follows basic safety rules with reminders
That was 23 indicators !
Inside we also did a teacher activity – a math game !
Here are the indicators that planned activity hit .
Personal and Social
Follows simple classroom rules with guidance
Manages transitions
Attends briefly and seeks helps when encountering a problem
Interacts with familiar adults
Language and Literacy
Follows two step directions
Math
Shows interest in counting
This activity hit 6 indicators .
Which activity was more of a learning experience ? Its pretty easy to see based on this data that children learn more when allowed to explore their natural environment than I can ever call them to a table to learn.