It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.
-Jiddu Krishnamurti, Indian philosopher, 1895-1986
The Beginnings Workshop "Tools" in the September/October issue of Exchange, looked at the many ways we can use tools to support children's learning. In one of the articles, "Learning to Use Tools and Learning through Tools: Brain Development and Tool Use," Kirsten Haugen talked about building children's conceptual awareness of tools:
"Using tools also involves planning, sequential thinking, and predicting what specific actions with a tool might do. With time and experience, we learn to apply what we know about a tool to new uses and to other tools. Once we’ve experienced how to scoop up applesauce with a spoon, it’s not a far leap to scoop up cereal or to imagine what one can do with a shovel. Talking about what we do as we use tools, asking questions, or making suggestions can help children develop greater conceptual awareness about tools:
- I wonder what else we could use to move that rock?
- What would happen if you tried cutting that piece before you put on the glue?
- Have you ever tried holding the camera like this? Maybe it won’t shake so much when you take the picture.
- I sometimes hold the nail with pliers so I don’t bang my fingers.
- I tried using the blender without the top once. Oh, what a mess! And I think it was dangerous, too!
Help children come up with their own predictions and solutions, being open to their ideas as part of an ongoing learning process.
Digital and Print Versions Available on Language Resources
Over 60 Beginnings Workshop units — including “Language and Literacy,” “Bilingual Education,” “Building Literacy, and “Multi-Language Programs” — are now available in print and digital formats. A number of popular Beginnings Workshop units, which are out of print, are now available in digital format.
Comments (1)
Displaying 1 CommentShishu Vikash Kendra
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
conceptual awareness for using tools is a must in a early childhood centre .
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