This week we recognized that sometimes we do not have all the answers to all the questions asked, but that does not mean we leave a child with an “I don’t know” and end the conversation. But instead reply back with “I don’t know but let’s go find the answer”. The invitation to learn more about the question allows the child and the educator to become co-learners and co-researchers together, which builds a supportive relationship for future interaction and trust. A question demonstrates the child’s ability to be a mighty learner; they seek knowledge and fulfill the need/ want to build on their curiosity and unknown of an interest. Children are strong, resourceful and capable to ask a question and a role model in their eyes, we parents and educators need to able to answer it the best way for the child to understand and support them.
The current interest in the room is outer space, and I know as an educator I do not have all the answers to the biggest unknown in the scientific community. At times it’s difficult to answer any outer space question a child asks just because some of the concepts of outer space are just too big to understand even as an adult, but we do not allow that to stop us from answering the curious mind of a child. To help support a child’s question, the room has been filled with all books and items related to outer space. Wither it’s an information book created for children or a photo of the Milky Way to provide a visual aid, we support and encourage any question that may pop up. We even created our own version of the outer space on the wall. We painted stars, galaxies and planets to bring it to life. The wall all start with Kerry hanging our broken globe from the roof, creating a floating earth and sparking everyone’s imagination of outer space. Our interest of outer space is flowing from the book corner to dramatic play: reenacting a rocket launch on the floor. As educators we have learned that outer space is not limited to science only, but to dramatic play and art expression. We are excited to see where our journey into space takes us! Here’s a fun space joke and have a great weekend! See you on Monday!
How do you put a baby alien to sleep?
You Rocket!