Assessment 3 - Research Activities

Research Activity 1

Because young children learn through discovery and self-initiated activities, the role of an adult is to be more a facilitator than a teacher. Learning among young children requires active involvement: hands-on manipulation, sensory engagement, and self-initiated explorations. Young children should not be expected to "watch and listen" for any length of time, nor should they be expected to always follow the teacher's lead or agenda. It is far better to focus on what children find of interest than to compete for attention through teacher-selected activities and materials. The focus is on 'experiencing' versus 'teaching'.

Using the 'experiencing' approach to the children's environment, list three natural materials and three recycled materials that you could add to the indoor or outdoor environment and describe how the addition of the materials you have selected will support the child's understanding and respect for the natural environment.

Natural Materials	What activities can be planned using the natural material and how it will support and promote respect for the natural environment?
Recycled materials	What activities can be planned using the natural material and how it will support and promote respect for the natural environment?