As we continue to look at How Does Learning Happen, within the scope of our classroom, we focus on engagement. Engagement is allowing every child to be an active learner, who explores the world with their body, mind and senses. (HDLD pg.37) As the infants grow we notice they become more purposeful in their play, making connections with their peers and educators, whether it be a wave, smile or showing interest in the same activity. Jacob has recently noticed the trucks in our room and has started to say “truck”, focusing his attention on the wheels as he pushes it across the shelf. Teddy is quick to scan the room and head for new activities, referencing his educators with excited smiles as he manipulates the materials. Isla and Leo have been working on mastering the stairs, going up and down the steps of the climber forwards and backwards working on graceful dismounts. Macarius is quick to respond to his educators’ facial expressions with smiles and giggles while beginning to reach for and grasp objects to bring to his mouth. Neven is working his fine motor skills as he grips the pom-pom, also building on his hand eye coordination to drop it down the tube. Sebby has been using the furniture to balance the cares in and out of the garages…this has led to independent steps. Hudson has been exploring the various equipment that is newer to the room, climbing in and out of the bouncy chair and bumbo as well as interacting with our new friends by sharing his toys. As they grown and develop new skills we will continue to assess the types of materials we have available, changing to allow for open ended exploration and encouraging their own thinking.
