The Eyes of Children : Child -Led Learning at Wonder Studio

Dear Wonder-ers,
I am fascinated by the eyes of children as they enter Wonder Studio. Some go to the first spot their eyes land on and they immediately engage.

Some children carefully look at each area as they slowly walk to the bathroom to wash their hands. And, some children look down or at their caregiver, as they anticipate the social interaction they might have as they enter. 

I could describe about 100 more ways that children cross the threshold of Wonder. It's my first introduction to the learning style and interest of each child.

The entrance of the adults at Wonder Studio is also fascinating to me. Some of the adults are just as excited to see the choices as the children are. 

Sometimes, all the choices at Wonder Studio can seem like a "To-Do" list. 

Let's start here and make our way around to all the experiences. 

This is NOT my intention in arranging this environment. 

In Reggio Emilia, Italy, where I participated in an International Study program in 2019...

the teachers carefully prepare the learning spaces for children in order to "provoke" learning experiences. 

For example, sometimes the provocation is social based, meaning, the teachers are researching how this experience may allow for deeper social interaction between children. 

Other times, the teachers arrange an experience to provoke storytelling or an exploration of color.

In Reggio and also at Wonder Studio and places where we are researching the best ways that young children learn...teachers and caregivers understand that children are most engaged and learn the most when the environment allows for:
1. Independence
2. Connection
3. Purpose
4. Open-Ended ideas
5. JOY


So, while I offer many choices for children at Wonder Studio, it's not so each child can do each experience. 

Instead, my intention is for each child to have enough options to "choose" from. 

I believe it's so important for children to find their "SPARK".

More and more researchers are understanding that we find our passion and sparks in our childhood and that knowing these can lead to a happier life.

Sometimes, we feel very literal about things.

For example, imagine a child playing at the Wind Tunnel for the entire Wonder Studio time. 

Does that mean, they will be a Nasa Rocket Scientist?
Well, MAYBE!! 

But, if we spend those 30 minutes observing the child, we can begin to see what it is that truly sparks them.

Could be...the mechanics of the wind itself....
but perhaps it's the joy of social interaction with other children or adults.

And, on a deeper level, it's very possible that the aesthetic, internal, felt sense of watching the leaves lifting up through the wind tunnel and falling on the ground...offers your child nourishment, pleasure, Peace, even a calming of their nervous system.

So, allowing the child to decide what they need, what they desire, what is interesting to them, could be the most important thing we can do as caregivers, while at Wonder Studio.

And, yes, there are also times when it's ok to help a child choose or move on...you can read more about that in the blog below (link is below) or we can talk about it in class.
Have a great week!

What is Child-Led Learning?
https://thewonderstudio.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-is-child-led-learning-wonder.html


Shannon Booth Lipan
B.A.E, M.Ed
Expressive Arts Facilitator:
Level 1 and 2 Training in progress with Expressive Arts Florida
Owner, Director, Curriculum Designer, Lead Teacher of
The Wonder Studio

email: tot.wonder.arts@gmail.com
text/phone: 727-667-4090
see our blog: https://thewonderstudio.blogspot.com