Complexity Through Materials

"To build on children's learning with materials, it is useful to offer combinations of materials that lend themselves to many uses and extended investigation," observe Deb Curtis and Margie Carter in Learning Together with Young Children.  "When children are interested in an idea or concept, providing different materials to extend their exploration helps them make further connections and build on their ideas.  Not only do they use the materials to represent their current thinking, but they increase their skills and go deeper in exploring new ideas through the multiple activities they bring to the work."

"Jean Piaget named the different kinds of play he observed children use as a part of their learning.  Drawing on his observations, you can offer combinations of materials for sensory exploration, functional play, construction, drama, and games.  Providing a sensory base such as sand or playdough, and gradually adding materials related to the different kinds of play extend the amount of time and complexity of children's play.  Sensory materials keep children reinvesting in the invitation, which allows them to see more possibilities for the other objects available to build or design something, create a drama, or make up a game."

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