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Everyone is innately curious. Our curiosities drive our existence, to make sense of the world and to find joy in everyday life and intelligent materials play a major role in igniting our curiosities.
Exploring our curiosities is influenced by
- our mindsets
- others perceptions of our capabilities
- the freedom to move about as needed
- the accessibility to materials needed for our explorations.
This is true for you and children.
Over the years our innate curiosity diminishes from social norms and expectations but the intelligent materials that drive our curiosity have always been there.
Think about what excites you, draws you in and gives you the urge to get your hands on.
This is what drove you as a child…you can use those feelings and memories to reignite your curiosity.
Author of Cultivating Curiosity, Wendy Ostroff says,
“We don’t need to teach our students to be curious – like George – they are already curious.”
An important aspect of our roles, I personally believe, is to protect and provide a memorable childhood. One that is filled with wonder and curiosity that can stay with them into adulthood. Since children are innately curious and intelligent materials drive curiosity…this makes our role just a little easier.
WHAT ARE INTELLIGENT MATERIALS?
In the latest episode here on the blog, I dive into the aspect of the materials needed to explore our curiosities….intelligent materials.
Why Intelligent Materials Are Important
When curiosity is sparked and children have the right kinds of materials and variables available to them…the learning is fluid and flourishing.
Play is intrinsically motivated and self-directed. Intelligent materials are essential to providing these opportunities and as a result of the children’s choice to play, they will naturally develop across all learning domains.
When we as educators intentionally choose what materials to include in our early learning spaces, variables that:
- engage all the senses
- provide challenge and critical thinking
- are open-ended
- are moveable and can be manipulated
this is when intelligent materials drive curiosity…which drives learning.
This opens up more opportunities for you to connect, observe and document how “young brains thrive on the exploration and experimentation that are manifested in curiosity” (Ostroff, W., Cultivating Curiosity, pg. 17).
“Materials have voices of their own, as do children. When they speak to each other, the conversation can be surprising, unexpected and profound.”
Quote from video – The Wonder of Intelligent Materials from Portland Children’s Museum and Opal School
When you’re done watching, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts and reflections!
This sparks my own curiosity, learning from my fellow educators is what drives me to grow as an educator.
LINKS MENTIONED
What does Curiosity look like in our spaces? – Previous Episode!
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I'M VERONICA.
Here to help you simplify planning, understand behaviours & build strong relationships...with the magic of loose parts!
EARLY YEARS CONSULTANT
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VERONICA
POSTED BY:
also known as Ronnie!
SPECIAL NEEDS MOMMA &
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTANT
Inspiring and mentoring my fellow educators how to use loose parts to enhance all aspects of their practice. I share my dual roles of educator & momma and how our autistic son has shown me so many new perspectives.
read about my early years journey