Treasure Basket Explorations: Heuristic Learning for Infants and Toddlers - Softcover

Laura Wilhelm

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0876595751 ISBN 13: 9780876595756

Publisher: Gryphon House,U.S., 2017

Synopsis

For the littlest learners, everything is an activity - feeling a rock, trying to lick a bubble, smelling a flower, or poking sand. In Treasure-Basket Explorations: Heuristic Learning for Infants and Toddlers, teachers and caregivers of infants and toddlers will learn how these simple explorations support cognitive and vocabulary development. Grounded in the theory of early education pioneer Elinor Goldschmied, the book explains heuristic learning--discovery by trial and error--and how to encourage this type of learning to boost development. Teachers will learn how to set up treasure baskets that encourage heuristic play: containers filled with easy-to-find items that support explorations in emergent language, math, and science skills. Encourage children to discover the sounds that a metal cup makes when banged on the floor. Invite them to feel the velvety texture of soft fabric or the bumpiness of a loofah sponge. Let them explore what a wooden ring and a cotton handkerchief can do together. Through his explorations, the child is answering some fundamental questions: What is this and what can I do with it? Later, he will add to his knowledge: What else can this do and what can this become? This is cognitive development in action!

About this title

About the Author

Laura Wilhelm received her EdD in early childhood education at Oklahoma State University. She is an assistant professor in the Oklahoma City University College of Education. She is a sought-after speaker on numerous tpics related to early childhood.

From the Back Cover

There's no need for flashy toys and talking dolls. Babies and toddlers learn by doing. They explore like little scientists, testing and trying everything they encounter. Nurture these natural tendencies by creating treasure baskets!

Encourage them to discover the sounds that a metal cup makes when banged on the floor. Invite them to feel the velvety texture of soft fabric or the bumpiness of a loofah sponge. Let them explore what a wooden ring and a cotton handkerchief can do together.

Heuristic learning is simply discovery, and it offers adults the opportunity to see children's thinking. For example, a baby grasps a metal cup and accidently knocks it against a table leg. The cup makes an interesting noise. The child stares at the cup for a moment then hits it on the floor. Another noise! The baby will continue, fascinated, exploring all the great noises the metal cup can make. Through his explorations, the child is answering some fundamental questions: What is this and what can I do with it? Later, he will add to his knowledge: What else can this do and what can this become? This is cognitive development in action!

Encourage them to discover the sounds that a metal cup makes when banged on the floor. Invite them to feel the velvety texture of soft fabric or the bumpiness of a loofah sponge. Let them explore what a wooden ring and a cotton handkerchief can do together.

Heuristic learning is simply discovery, and it offers adults the opportunity to see children's thinking. For example, a baby grasps a metal cup and accidently knocks it against a table leg. The cup makes an interesting noise. The child stares at the cup for a moment then hits it on the floor. Another noise! The baby will continue, fascinated, exploring all the great noises the metal cup can make. Through his explorations, the child is answering some fundamental questions: What is this and what can I do with it? Later, he will add to his knowledge: What else can this do and what can this become? This is cognitive development in action!

Edition details

• Publisher: Gryphon House,U.S.
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0876595751
• ISBN 13: 9780876595756
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 80