NOTICING
Today the infants gathered around the light table with great excitement and curiosity. As they approached, their eyes were drawn to the soft glowing surface. We added translucent balls and hid letters and familiar pictures underneath. The children eagerly reached out, grasped the balls, and moved them aside to discover what was hidden below.
Some infants leaned in closely, studying the glowing light with focused attention. Others pointed at the pictures they recognized, sharing their discoveries with educators and peers through gestures, eye contact, and joyful sounds. They remained engaged for an extended period, returning to the table again and again. The light table continues to be one of their favourite spaces for exploration and shared play.
Through this experience, the children demonstrated strong curiosity and a desire to explore their environment. They used their senses—sight and touch—to investigate materials and practiced fine motor skills as they reached, grasped, and moved the balls. Their pointing, vocalizing, and shared gazes showed emerging communication skills and social connections.
NAMING:
This experience connects deeply with the principles and goals of Flight, which views children as mighty learners and citizens.
- Well-being: The children felt comfortable and confident exploring a familiar and inviting space. Their excitement and sustained engagement show a strong sense of belonging and security.
- Play and Playfulness: The light table invited open-ended exploration. The children experimented, discovered, and expressed joy through playful investigation.
- Communication and Literacies: By pointing to pictures, looking closely at letters, and making sounds to share their discoveries, the infants were developing early literacy and communication skills. They were making meaning through light, images, and shared interaction.
- Diversity and Social Responsibility: Exploring together encouraged turn-taking, shared attention, and awareness of others’ discoveries.
NURTURING
To extend this learning, we will:
- Add more pictures, family photos, textured materials, and familiar objects to the light table.
- Introduce simple language to describe what the children see (e.g., “bright,” “ball,” “letter A,” “under,” “on top”).
- Explore light and shadow experiences using flashlights and natural sunlight.
- Sit alongside the children to model curiosity, wonder, and descriptive language.
Extending Learning at Home
Families can support this learning by:
- Looking at picture books together and naming objects.
- Playing simple hiding games (“Where did it go?”).
- Exploring light and shadows at home using a flashlight or sunlight near a window.
- Encouraging pointing, naming, and shared attention during play.
