Invitations to New Concepts

Exchange writer Deb Curtis gives a wealth of ideas for inviting children into learning in her Beginnings Workshop article, "Creating Invitations for Learning," in Exchange (May/June 2004).  In the article, she gives this advice on creating invitations to introduce children to new concepts:

"When I want to plan for a particular topic or concept, I arrange a collection of materials and props in an accessible place in the room for the children to visit and use throughout the day.  I observe their actions and record their conversations so I can uncover their ideas and understandings for further planning.  For example, I assembled a display of dolls with different skin colors, photos, and books about the Civil Rights Movement and differences among people.  I left them out a few weeks before the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday.  As the children interacted with the materials, I took note of what they seemed to know and understand about the life of Dr. King.  I was surprised to discover how little the children knew about this great man, but also heartened to see their intense interest in his life and work around issues of fairness.  The information and interactions spurred by this simple invitation helped me design more meaningful activities around the holiday celebrations, based on the children's ideas and awareness."

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