We often find Leotine forming theories. She will sit somewhere, focusing on something with one or more of her senses hard at work. On this day we were outside on our playground and she sat for a while observing the other children. We offered her a kleenex as she needed one for her nose and looked like she was interested in holding one. For 10 minutes or so Leotine held the kleenex in her hands, pulled on it, tore it, pulled on it some more and just felt it between her fingers. It was only after about 10 minutes that she showed the first sign that she wanted to put the tissue into her mouth. At that point we of course asked for the tissue back. It didn’t take Leotine long before she found a new focus. She started off digging her fingers in the dirt beside her, very curious about the “stuff” that ended up on her fingers as a result. Then she found a small dried leaf from the tree above her. She picked up the leaf, held it in her hands, squished it, pulled on it, brought it closer to her face to take a closer look, pulled on it some more. Again it took 10-15 minutes before Leotine showed any interest in putting this new focus into her mouth. Watching Leotine focusing on and experiencing objects that I would on most days quickly take away, makes me wonder how many experiences children loose because of an adult dirt phobia and fear. Often we assume that young children will put things into their mouths or handle things unsafely not giving them a chance to prove otherwise. We seem especially eager to take nature away before it is truly explored and experienced. Leotine’s experience was a needed reminder of how important it is to give children time and space to truly focus and form theories… even if what they are exploring might seem “dirty”.

Please enjoy these following photos of Leotine forming theories with her body and mind.

It is always interesting to see children experience something new for the first time. This is, in my opinion, especially true with textures. Paint is a great example. At first the children look, then curiosity takes over and they touch… usually with caution at first. After the initial surprise of this new sensation they touch again and again. If we observe children carefully we often see that their faces are showing discomfort of some sort.

On this day, Jameson had a turn painting. As most children Jameson is very expressive when he touches this new texture. When you look through the following photos think about the experience Jameson is having. What is it that drives children to touch new textures even though they look like they don’t like it?

Going outside to play is important to us in the Infant room as our room is getting smaller with our increasing body sizes and movement. We try to use every opportunity to take the children in the play yard one or two at the time as nap and meal times don’t always allow us to go outside together. When we do get to go out all together magic happens! Please enjoy the following photos of our children enjoying the beautiful weather.

Today on her 1st birthday, Brooklyn had her first experience with paint.  At first she was a little timid… touched the paint and then  pulled her hands away from the paint as far as they would go. Within seconds she brought them back and touched the paint again with one hand… again she seemed unsure about what she was feeling with her hand. But as curiosity got the upper hand Brooklyn again touched the paint, this time making small lines with her fingers. Brooklyn seemed to notice the lines and the movement of the paint on the paper became more intentional as she used one finger, at first, to make lines with the paint to the edge of the paper. Soon both hands were involved and the whole table in front of Brooklyn was the canvas. At one point Brooklyn took her painting experience to her face, planting her open palm straight onto her face. This didn’t seem to scare her but did seem to extend her understand this new medium.  Brooklyn’s facial expressions went from those of timidness and being unsure to those of joy and excitement. Curiosity seemed to stay with Brooklyn through the entire experience.   Please enjoy the following photos of Brooklyn exploring paint for the first time.