A Flying Start

Trajectory.

I was amused watching one of our little under twos at Playcentre last Friday playing in the sandpit. He was surrounded by myriad interesting toys but was utterly fascinated by just watching the sand fly as he threw it. Now we don't condone the throwing of sand as a general rule, but there were no other kids in the firing line and he had an insightful parent with him who rather than reprimand him, directed him to a paddling pool of water which had no one in it as a good destination for his flying sand. He looked so delighted watching the sand land in the water. I believe it had been set up attractively for water play with dye in it and had been appreciated by a only a couple of kids but for this little guy it was totally worth the sacrifice! Later as it was a hot day the hose was brought out for some cooling down fun and this same child discovered the delights of directing the water. I was smart enough to be observing this from well out of the firing line!!! This led to him discovering that when he aimed the water at a yoga ball he could move it across the play area. I am looking forward to observing this boy more closely next week, I am thinking perhaps a trajectory schema? I have been compiling a list of things I'd like to offer for him over the next while to help him explore different ways of moving things.

Gravity:

• rolling balls down a slide
• pushing cars down ramps
• setting up a marble run, or maybe like this
• marble painting
• dropping paint onto paper from a height
• pulleys, maybe make up a game of throwing things into a bucket attached to a pulley until it's heavy enough to lift another bucket off the ground...

Blowing

• ping pong balls across a table with a straw
• blowing paint across paper

Throwing

• balls into hoops/ buckets
• paint-soaked sponges at paper

Pushing/ pulling

• using chalk to draw a big line on the ground (could move along the line in different ways or push vehicles along it)

He'd probably enjoy feeling movement himself too, rolling down the hill, swinging, riding in the wagon...

That'll do me for starters. I'm looking forward to Friday now!!!!