We all learn and digest information in different ways. If you prefer to read rather than watch a video, I’ve got you, here is the dialogue from the video:
Reaching and manipulating objects play a fundamental role in the development of infants and young children, serving as crucial building blocks for their cognitive, motor, and social skills. As babies learn to reach for and grasp objects, they are engaging in early exploration and goal directed behaviour. This process not only strengthens their muscles and coordination but also lays the foundation for more complex tasks later in life, such as writing and using tools. Furthermore, reaching and manipulating objects allow children to learn about cause and effect, spatial relationships, and problem-solving as they experiment with different actions and observe the outcomes. Additionally, the act of manipulating objects promotes sensory and perpetual exploration, stimulating the development of their perception and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Promoting affordances in exploration & play
Balancing Spider
I covered half a melon in black tissue paper. I used tin foil to give the spider some legs. I lay the spider on some black toile material to look like the spider’s web. I then poked gulf tees into the melon and scattered large bottle lids.
An activity like this can offer the image-schema affordance of BALANCING one thing on top of another. The natural curve of the melon will make this activity a little tricky and will require children to problem-solve. This activity can be paired with a book about a spider.
1. read a book about a spider 2. offer the activity.
(Only use large bottle lids to prevent choking).
Cars and Slopes
I use balsa wood to make slopes. I have stands that I have purchased from a specialist early childhood supplier. As you will not have one of these at home, boxes, pots and pans or a small coffee table should work as well.
An activity like this may offer the image-schema affordance of FORCE because the cars take advantage of gravity as they roll down the ramps. This activity also requires problem solving as the child negotiates the space to BALANCE the balsa wood on the stand at an angle to make a slope. You can also use guttering from your local DIY shop.
1. read a book about cars 2. offer the activity
Animal Enclosures
I like to collect different wooden shapes, blocks, coasters and sticks as construction materials. Pair these materials with some farm animals and they may offer the children the image-schema affordance of ENCLOSURES to keep their farm animals safe from predators.
Again, an activity like this offers the child the opportunity to problem solve as they BALANCE the construction materials to make each animal their ENCLOSURE.
1. Read a book about the farm 2. offer the activity