Teetor-Toddler
As I am with children in the yard, I stood close to the wooden blocks, hoping to witness some imaginative and creative play unfold. I was fortunate to observe the children’s creativity as they invented new things using the limited materials available to them. The kids began playing with the wood, and I was eager to find out what they were creating. I decided to ask them.
Resmi: What are you making
Child: We are making something, but we don’t know what we are making
As like the child I don’t understand what they are making, and I am curious know what is in their mind. Then suddenly the child response came
Child: Look at this, this one is big
Child: I made a Teetor-Toddler
I was amazed by their ingenuity in constructing the Teetor-Toddler using blocks and sitting on either side to showcase their creation. This brought to mind BCELF principle 1, which emphasizes that “Children are strong, capable in their uniqueness, and full of potential,” highlighting their innate strength, capability, and potential. It also resonates with BCELF principle 3, “People build connection and reconnection to land, culture, community, and place,” as children form deep connections with the land, culture, community, and surroundings, nurturing their limitless imagination and creativity. Their interaction with the blocks and the environment, as well as their connections to other places, contributes to their ability to innovate the Teetor-toddler.
Wood blocks & Colors
Rainbow and Grass
I considered placing various colors next to the wooden blocks to observe how the children would interact with the colors and the wood. Additionally, I positioned some muddy water near the blocks. Various groups of children utilized the watercolors and wood in diverse manners. A particular child, whom I’ll refer to as “A,” approached and painted one of the blocks. When I inquired about her creation, she explained that it was grass.
Resmi : What are you making?
Child A: We are making grass
: Green Grass
: and Dry Grass
: Dog Grass
Resmi: What Jack is making
Jack: I am making a rainbow
Child A: I am taking out to dry.
Once she finished the painting, she wanted to dry it quickly, so she decided to place it in the sunlight for drying. Although these occurrences were minor, they made me contemplate the understanding and connection that children have with the environment. It brings to mind the BCELF principle which asserts that “children begin learning from the moment they enter the world and it is not a linear process.” Their connection with the land, community, culture, and surroundings broadens their knowledge. It’s remarkable how they relate everything to nature.
Feet Painting
Upon arrival, Benjamin began exploring the various colors and expressed his desire to fill in all the spaces. He commenced coloring the wooden block, using different color combinations, leading to some engaging conversations.
Ben: I am cover this whole space
: Its black
: I am mixing it with red
Resmi: How did you make this color
: Black, Red, Blue
Resmi: Its Purple now
Ben: Now I am doing feet painting
I am curious about the color combinations he used in his paintings, as well as his use of mud to paint the blocks. In the end, he placed his feet on the block and called it “feet painting.” This brings to mind how children utilize their imagination and powers of observation. The BC ELF principle emphasizes that learning is holistic and doesn’t follow a linear progression, often taking unexpected directions in connection with people, places, ideas, and materials.
House
Meavis is interested in constructing her own house using wooden blocks. She considers this house to be hers and meticulously stacks the blocks to create stairs, making sure to leave space for her baby as well. Here is a video showing her process of building the house.
House to Fire Truck House
Dharan and Logan began constructing a house after they painted the wooden blocks they had. When Dharan began painting, I inquired about what he was doing.
Resmi: What are you doing
Dharan: Something
: You see
Dharan: I am using all the colors
Once the painting was finished, he and Logan moved all the wood blocks to the other side of the yard. I was curious about their plans for the wood blocks. When I asked him what he was doing, he said he was building a house. Dharan began constructing the house, and when he finished, he placed his wheelbarrow in the middle and proudly declared that he had made a fire truck house. He celebrated loudly and enthusiastically to mark the completion of his construction. According to the BCELF principle, “People establish connections and reconnect with the land, culture, community, and place.” I realized that he was connecting with the local community where he grew up. Children develop a sense of place when they engage with the community and the outdoor environment. “Early learning is ‘of a place’ when children and educators explore local histories with respectful curiosity and a willingness to contribute and share” (BCELF, Page-21). As the child learned about the local stories, he was actively engaging and expressing his curiosity and desire to share the event that had taken place.
