Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow. —Aesop
Do you find yourself grasping for lesson-plan ideas, when in reality they may be just within your reach? Yes, observing children is useful for more than developmental assessment and checking off abilities on a continuum. I reached for the posted lesson plan, entitled “Grasping,” in the infant room. The infant teacher explained, “When I reviewed my observations, I noticed all the babies were at different stages of reaching and grasping. I decided to provide a variety of shapes and textures just within their reach. Then, I watched then as they worked to use their fingers and hands in new ways.” She couldn’t be more right. Kudos to this intuitive teacher who knows the babies in her care and uses her observations to provide real and relevant curriculum. How exciting to see shower puffs, silk scarves, shiny pots and pans, and socks stuffed with newspaper all within their reach. Instead of grasping for the same old lesson plan, reach out and be curious. Notice what the children are doing and how can you challenge them and scaffold their development.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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