Starry Night…….
The Starry Night environment is defined by a “camping in the woods at night” setting where children engage in dramatic play, listen to woodland animal sounds, toast marshmallows over a campfire, and enjoy activities best experienced in a dark venue.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
- When children move the sand in the topography sand table, they are learning about cause and effect. That learning is reinforced when they dig a hole in the sand and a lake appears. Their actions directly impact the landscape. When a child repeatedly designs mountains and lakes, s/he is practicing this new skill and enjoying his/her control over the situation.
LOOKING UP
- The beautifully painted night sky galaxies will hopefully inspire you and your family to often take the time to go outside and observe the night time sky. Watch for satellites, look for constellations, and make a date for observing the shooting stars of meteor showers. Look up!
SUPPORT CHILDREN BY…
… stepping back and noticing how they approach the darkness of the room. Darkness is safe but often the child’s perception is that it is not. Let the child determine when to enter or not enter the exhibit zone because s/he is actively assessing the risk involved. When ready, children will venture in but it might take several attempts. Be patient and let children go through the learning process.