by Dr Kay McCrann
In this video, Dr McRann invites trainees to evaluate ways to explore the built environment and with children. Supporting children to reflect on their perception and action in the environment is an important deep learning process that promotes emerging mental representations of human beings as parts of nature, and also agentic within nature.
How can settings acquire resources to enable environmental play? (Consider local industries and Permaculture principles)
How can using symbols (2-D images and 3D models) help children to better understand the interconnectedness of all living things?
How does active questioning help children to learn at a deeper level? (reflect on the difference between 'telling' and 'questioning')
How does the practitioner utilise the children's mental representations and imaginative play to build understanding of the world ?
Consider how creating a simulated pond enables a play-based environment to better understand real ponds and the built environment.
What might be a next step for the nursery setting to consider?