Thursday was the first experience for the Materials Playgroup. As with most first experiences children first try to orient themselves to the environment. Then the materials becomes the common exploration in which each child can explore their surroundings and each other. The first material we explored was cellophane. This is a fantastic material for young children as it makes a lot of noise and is very responsive to each touch, both in the material's movement and sound.
Sebastien was perhaps the most vigorous explorer as he squeezed, pulled apart, and shook the cellophane. This could be from his previous exposure to the material and he was in his home. He also explored the material with his mouth while Theo and Xavier did not. Xavier used his hands to manipulate the cellophane over and over. He would crinkle it and then release.
Xavier really tuned into Sebastien and watched him as he used the cellophane. Xavier was extremely focused and interested in the material, concentrating a great deal as he felt the cellophane between his hands. While Sebastien was more into big impact, big sound, and big movement. Xavier’s movements were subtle at first and grew more exaggerated as he became more familiar with the material.
Theo joined the group in the midst of the exploration as he was napping but had no problems jumping right in. Theo played an interesting game of catch and release with the cellophane and also moved it back and forth on the ground over and over again. He was the only one to grab two pieces, one in each hand, and bring them together.
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