S arah drops it, part II

Learning priority: [Their greater working memory contributes to their capacity ..]
[..developing more complex working theories and problem-solving strategies, sustaining
attention, and being more persistently curious.]Te Whariki pg. 17

Dear Sarah, for last months learning story I wrote about water mixing activity that I made
with you in mind. Soon after that I made this revised version of same activity using
droppers and food colouring mixed with vinegar plus added surprise! I set up table with
droppers, coloured water in containers for sharing and small mounds of white powder
which was baking soda. I asked you Sarah to join the table with four others and you were
keen as it was fun activity to try last time. Immediately you noticed the baking soda on the
tray and were asking along others what it was which I kept as a secret to be discovered.
You took the dropper in hand but seemed to need a small reminder on how to use it. I
showed you the trick and after a while learned the trick in squeezing it in the right time and
releasing. I helped you to empty the coloured liquid in the tray over the baking soda. Oh
boy, was your expression priceless!! you werent expecting that were you?! It didnt
happen last time, why did the water start fizzing and bubbling? You see I tricked you all a
bit this time, vinegar mixed with baking soda causes a chemical reaction that is used in
baking as a raising agent. Makes a really cool little science project too! You found it the
best little trick; so amusing. Last time you were all quiet, focusing on the dropper but this
time you were full of giggles and amazement. I was glad I worked slowly towards this and
let you practice first with droppers and when you all thought you knew what it was
about, there was something more to be discovered.

Sarah, as you are moving with your family to Christchurch very soon, you will be missed
here at An-Nur childcare centre, you have been inspiring in your bright spirit, positivity and
sheer tenacity Sarah!

What is Sarah learning with play like this?

Links to Te Whariki learning curriculum (2017)

5. Exploration-Mana Aoturoa
Children learn strategies for active exploration, thinking
and reasoning:
Recognition of different domains of knowledge and
how they relate to understanding people, places and
things.
Curiosity, and the ability to inquire, research, explore,
generate and modify working theories about the natural,
social, physical and made worlds.

Learning story for July 2017 by Heidi Brotkin