Children attract and engage with experiences in many ways each day, much like a magnet. They are naturally drawn to activities that provide satisfaction, curiosity, and sensory stimulation, while also repelling those that do not. Through the invitation of carefully displayed materials that respond magnetically, children were given the opportunity to explore by hovering a magnetic wand over loose items to see how many they could collect and transfer into a tube.
Connection to Learning
The thoughtfully prepared environment encouraged children to respond and engage creatively by manipulating the materials during play. Through this hands-on exploration, children encountered early concepts of function and cause-and-effect as they experimented with various magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
The Tykes 1 children demonstrated strong agency by testing the wand to see which objects would stick to the magnet. Through trial and error, they discovered how the wand attracted certain materials. Once items were collected, the children hovered the wand over the tube and shook it gently to release the objects to the bottom.
I wonder how full they were able to make the tube. Did it tip over once it was filled with material? Through this experience, children began developing an understanding of materials as agentic recognizing that the magnet’s force determines whether an object will attract or repel depending on its properties.
Reflection
We will continue to foster meaningful relationships between children and materials to support their ongoing learning and discovery of new concepts each day. Educators intentionally observe children’s attractions and repelling interests to extend learning experiences that align with their curiosity. Families also play an important role by sharing children’s interests and experiences from home, helping us build continuity between home and daycare. Each day, we intentionally foster new ideas that invite playful exploration, attraction, and discovery.
