Our "little friends" have been focusing on shape
identification in small group the last 2 weeks. We had the children "build"
shapes and draw a picture of their creation. This activity, although simple, engages children in ALL areas of development – physical, intellectual,
emotional and social development.
Physically the child is working on fine motor
control while building their creation.
They are learning how to increase control over their hands and wrists to
construct a structure of their liking. When
they are asked to draw a picture of the structure they are enhancing their fine
motor control as they are required to hold a writing utensil. According to Early Learning for Every Child
Today (ELECT) scribbling and drawing will expand to include lines and shapes
when children are given opportunities to practice and play with writing
instruments. At home children should be
encouraged to use crayons, markers, paint brushes etc. to help children develop
the strength required for primary printing and other fine motor skills in the
future.
Intellectually the children learn about self-regulation,
problem solving, representation, cause and effect, spatial sense and shape
identification. When constructing with
blocks the children are working on their self-regulation skills through
maintaining their attention for an increased amount of time and avoiding
distractions. ELECT also states that
children learn problem solving by using trial and error – (which blocks will
fit, how tall can I build my tower etc).
They are also learning how to plan ahead and brainstorm solutions and
outcomes. Children were asked to draw a representation
of their structure – they are constructing 2D and 3D models. Spatially the children are learning how to
put and take things apart and using tools to overcome barriers. Lastly, the children are learning about two dimensional
and three dimensional shapes. They are
recognizing and naming the shapes they have created. They were also asked to count the sides and
corners, and recognize and name the shapes.
Socially they are communicating their ideas
with others and expressing their own thoughts and ideas through verbal and non-verbal
communication. They are also increasing
their vocabulary, using descriptive language to explain their thoughts and
listening to others. They learn how to interact
positively and respectfully in a small group through sharing the blocks and
allowing others to take turns. When the
child is asked to describe their structure this allows the child the
opportunity to begin to express what they want and what they are thinking. They also are learning how to be good
listeners and identify solutions to conflicts that arise (two children want the
same block – what do they do?). Socially
the children also worked on their co-operation skills by exchanging materials
during play and taking part in the activity by following the rules set out by
the Early Childhood Educator. The small
group also allows the children to interact with other adults and allows them to
see adults as a resource in exploration and problem solving (ELECT).
Lastly, emotionally the children are learning
how to express their feelings, self-regulation, autonomy and developing a
positive attitude toward learning. After
the children built their structures they showed great pride. They feel good about themselves and their
accomplishment. They are also learning
how to regulate their emotions – maybe they are overwhelmed or frustrated that
they cannot get a block to fit in a particular spot and they learn to look for
adult as a secure base – asking a big friend or ECE for help with the
structure. The children are also
developing autonomy while building with the blocks. They are learning how to set goals and making
choices. Lastly, the children are
developing a positive attitude toward learning, they are coping with defeat and
errors, taking risks when learning and persevering when they are faced with
challenges.
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