Baby Week I

Baby Week I provided lots of time and opportunity for the children to take on the role of caregiver and nurturer of our classroom babies. 

Additionally, the children explored and assumed these same roles as they played with the large play houses that were brought into the classroom for our Baby Weeks.

Baby Week is the starting point of our Growing Unit, so there was lots of discussion about the many ways in which the children have grown since they were babies.  The children took great pride in sharing their baby picture, clothes and story with their classmates.  This activity provided a concrete illustration of each child's personal growth.

Looking Deeper:  Exploration and Learning through Play

Let's take a closer look at the recurring connection between the children's play and our class discussions.

 During Doctor Weeks, we talked about the three things we need to do to stay healthy.  They are: eat health foods, get plenty of rest, and get plenty of exercise.  This week as we discussed how much we have grown since we were babies, we concluded that these three activities not only kept us healthy, but also facilitated our growth from babies to the present!  Interestingly, before we even had this conversation the children innately revealed that they possessed this knowledge in the way that they "played" and cared for the dolls.  Within their play they consistently fed, walked and napped the babies daily.  Children routinely demonstrate, broaden and deepen their knowledge within their play.   Frequently our class discussions merely point out to the children what they actually know.  Often our discussions merely put the knowledge they have both gained and exhibited during their play into words that they can then share and apply at other times and within other situations.  In a way, the play environment is the research lab and our discussions provide a forum for reflective and connective thinking while processing our findings! 

Have a fun and restful weekend!