Approaches to Learning:
Approaches to Learning is a theory that students will take a different approach to how they study, depending upon the perceived objectives of the course they are studying.
Try adding these items to your dramatic play center for this topic:
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Hulla Hoops
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Cellophane
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Small and Large Jars for the Children.
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Open-Ended Toys (Blocks, Carpet Squares)
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Cotton Balls
Name of Activity: Pull Towards Me
Originating Idea: Problem Solving
Curriculum Area: Approaches to learning
Materials:
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Towel or Blanket
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Large Toy
Appropriate Age group: 6-12 Months
Beginning of Activity:
During this activity, sit down on the floor with the infant and help them sit up if they cannot do it on their own. During this time, show the child the toy. Put it at the end of the towel or blanket. How will they get it if its so far away?
Middle of Activity
Early:
During this activity while teaching early stage learners, they may need help sitting up or pulling in the towel. Helping the children by pulling the towel will demonstrate to them how to problem solve.
Middle:
During this activity while teaching middle staged learners, the student will be able to pull the towel into themselves.
Later:
During this activity while working with later staged children, the students will be able to pull the towel into themselves and grab the toy. Use words with this child like "pull, reach, and grab" to use the words that describe the motions their doing.
End of Activity:
Follow-up Ideas:
Leave these towels around the classroom if the children want to pull them.
Leave toys around the classroom that children can pick up and put the toys on the towel themselves.
Name of Activity: First One Up
Originating Idea: Initiative
Curriculum Area: Approaches to learning
Materials:
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Streamers
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Instruments
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Music
Appropriate Age group: 1-2 Years
Beginning of Activity:
During circle time, talk to the children about taking initiative. While doing circle time, tell the children that you're going to have a dance party and ask children for volunteers. The children that standup first are taking the initiative.
Middle of Activity
Early:
Children that do not stand up first may be following the children that are taking the initiative. Suggesting to children to get up and dance may be helping them to stand up in front of their peers.
Middle:
During this activity with middle staged learners children may think of standing up but may be timid or shy.. They might follow after other children stand up.
Later:
During this activity with later staged learners they will be the first ones to stand up. Right once you ask for volunteers these children will shoot right up.
End of Activity
Following this activity, ask the children that stand up first, why they were so quick to lead. Talk to the children about leadership.
Follow-up Ideas:
Follow the Leader
Red Rover
Name of Activity: My Hands are Touching
Originating Idea: Self-Help
Curriculum Area: Approaches to learning
Materials
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Cork
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Sandpaper
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Velvet
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Satin
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Feather
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Tin foil
Appropriate Age group: 12-18 Months
Beginning of Activity:
Take a piece of strong cardboard and glue various texture varied objects on to it. Be sure that the items are secure and can be easily reached by an infant or toddler. Sit down with the child and allow them to touch the objects while you say the sensory word that corresponds with that object.
Ex. soft, slippery, rough, scratchy, cool, nice
Middle of Activity
Early:
While doing this activity for early staged learners, you may want to help the children touch over the cardboard pieces with all the materials.
Middle:
While doing this activity with middle staged learners, you will want to help the children by holding the board for them but allowing the children to explore the board themselves.
Later:
While doing this activity for more advanced learners, you will want to allow them to explore completely on their own. Allow them to feel, touch and pull. While also using words to describe what they could be feeling. (Ex. soft, slippery, rough, scratchy, cool, nice)
End of Activity:
After the activity, ask the children what feeling the liked the best. If they are non-verbal, ask them to show you what feeling they liked the best and which one they didn't like.
Follow-up Ideas:
Using different materials for the board than listed.
