An educator created this play space for the children to interact in a I spy listen and collect game. She created a list of materials for the children to find. As you read each item aloud, the children felt joyful when they discovered the material you described. Once all the items in the series were found, you held the bag for the children and counted out loud in sync with them.
After two rounds of the game, you heard the children begin to mimic you:
“I spy something red!”
“One, two, three… all the way to twenty!”
You then talked with the children about the items in the bag and asked questions like, “Which number is higher — 20 or 19? What about 14 or 13?”
“Aha! You win,” you told them, “because you have 20 in your bag!”
Connecting To Learning
The educator has provided a co-researcher moment for the group of children engaged in this play. The educator continued to prompt the children with authentic questions, encouraging the children to persevere and search for each item that was called. Together, all members expressed joy in their shared discoveries, celebrating one another’s successes. A sense of belonging was created as everyone’s voice was heard and honored.
Through this experience, the children strengthened their hand–eye coordination as they focused intently on finding the items. They also practiced sequencing as they counted the numbers in order along with you.
In the duration of this activity children are building self confidence, belonging, awareness of actions, and narrating each other’s successes .
In Reflection
How might you continue to encourage this “I Spy” game in future learning?
Will you add similar concepts such as memory games, bingo, or larger scavenger hunts?
I wonder if you enjoy searching for words in a crossword during your free time? As well as attending an escape room to solve.
