Adding a new tool.

For the past two weeks, the children have been exploring a new tool called a "zoomie." Attached to the computer and its camera, the zoomie provides an opportunity to view the world differently - to view objects close up. With objects we have found in nature, the children have been "messing about" with this new tool.

“That’s my skin!”

“Wow, that’s amazing!”

 

“Do the ground!”

 

“Should I…?”

 

“It looks the same, but really different.”  

“It looks like there are eggs in there!”

“Wow, that looks like a tree.”

“There’s lines.”

“Try the paper.”

“You guys have to see this!” 

“Can you look inside the holes?”

“Looks like a braid.”

“Let’s do my braid.  It almost looks like Sheila Pepe’s work.”

“Should I check this?” 

“What is that?”

“Try all of them!”

“WOAH!”

 

“What about the giant mushroom?”

 

“Let’s try the wishing rock so we can see the magic!”

There is a time, much greater in amount than commonly allowed, which should be devoted to free and unguided exploratory work (call it play if you wish, I call it work). Children are given materials and equipment – things- and are allowed to construct, test, probe, and experiment without superimposed questions or instructions (Hawkins, 2002. p. 68).