tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post7871222918222183268..comments2024-03-27T10:42:06.379-05:00Comments on SAND AND WATER TABLES: COLORADO EVENTTom Bedardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-21707144028992096922013-05-04T12:08:14.737-05:002013-05-04T12:08:14.737-05:00Thanks Bebe. I will take it as a compliment becau...Thanks Bebe. I will take it as a compliment because I think children are so creative. I have never thought of it that way, though. I have tried to think about how to bring them into the process of constructing. Your comment gives me another prod.Tom Bedardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-60710759842139431552013-05-04T09:03:01.993-05:002013-05-04T09:03:01.993-05:00Interesting points about attractiveness in a play ...Interesting points about attractiveness in a play space. I think what makes your sand and water tables so attractive, Tom, (other than sparking a desire for play and exploration) is the fact that if a child were able to construct one of your apparatuses, it would probably look similar to what you make. And I mean that as a compliment. Most children would tape things together, and if it serves their purpose, then it's a success. I think that adds to the appeal. Bebe McGoochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14498273486476170108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-53443145956441649462013-04-28T17:10:17.942-05:002013-04-28T17:10:17.942-05:00Suzanne, I thought we all spoke the same language ...Suzanne, I thought we all spoke the same language and we all know what each other means. All kidding aside, part of the reason I wrote this little piece was because the word cute is used so much in our work, that I refuse to use it. If fact, I challenge anyone I work with to tell me what that means. Most of them have quit using the word---at least around me. <br /><br />From my study of the Hungarian preschool system back in the 70s and my current reading of Reggio publications, I know aesthetics or beauty are very important from both of their perspectives. I am trying to come to terms with the beauty they talk about and the stuff I build for the sensory table, which from an aesthetic point of view, has much to be desired.<br /><br />Your points are well taken and I really appreciate the dialogue. Any time you want to stir things up, feel free. I would be interested to know how your discussion goes. Tom Bedardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-5606501545799781752013-04-28T15:12:11.955-05:002013-04-28T15:12:11.955-05:00Just to stir things up a little - but doesn't ...Just to stir things up a little - but doesn't the word "inviting" mean different things for different people. What is inviting to one person may not be for another...<br /><br />I think if we are coming from our observations of children and their interests then whether or not we choose to use the word inviting or attractive makes little difference - its the fact that they are attractive (as attracting attention/interest rather than beautiful) or inviting in the eyes of the children, rather than the teachers/adults that is the ESSENTIAL part. Is it BEAUTIFUL in the eyes of the children... it matters not what words we use, they are all subjective in the end (tomorrow I will be having a discussion about exactly this with my colleagues - about finding a common language - as even amongst teachers we interpret words differently - what is a child, what is play, what is respect etc etc?).<br /><br />I agree that we should be aiming to entice from the perspective of the child rather than the adult - to capture their imagination and to trigger further exploration ...Suzanne Axelsson - Interaction Imaginationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10513322963337168674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-80497664153426263152013-04-28T13:52:26.809-05:002013-04-28T13:52:26.809-05:00Well said Maureen. You will find those that say t...Well said Maureen. You will find those that say that they won't do anything or they are not learning "what they need to." All they do is play. I guess I trust the children and their own abilities too much.Tom Bedardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04427750320077815023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096897291661942250.post-44959184660660147332013-04-28T12:33:50.163-05:002013-04-28T12:33:50.163-05:00Hi Tom
It's wonderful to be open minded and wi...Hi Tom<br />It's wonderful to be open minded and willing to change as we, ourselves, live and experience more. My philosophy has changed greatly since I first started in this field. I love how I've taken away most of the stress on myself to plan every part of the day and now allow the families to lead. It's very rewarding for all.<br />And I like to use the word 'inviting' because like you said attractive can mean different things to different people. If I can make the areas in my room inviting for the children and their grown ups to want to explore then I've helped them along the way to learning more about what interests them. StrongStarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00135722042660587451noreply@blogger.com