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Participating in light activities has been a truly illuminating experience for both myself and the children in my care. The magic and wonder that light brings into our learning environment have sparked a sense of awe and curiosity among young minds. Reflecting on these light activities, I realize the profound impact they have had on the children's development and learning journey.

One of the most striking aspects of light activities is the sensory stimulation they provide. As children engage with light, their eyes light up with excitement, captivated by the vibrant colors, shimmering reflections, and intriguing shadows. The play of light has not only stimulated their visual perception but also heightened their other senses, as they explore the warmth of sunlight or the coolness of moonlight.

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Materiality in early childhood visual and creative arts 

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Materiality in early childhood visual and creative arts 

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Materiality in early childhood visual and creative arts refers to the importance of using a wide range of materials and sensory experiences to foster children's artistic exploration and expression. It recognizes the significance of hands-on engagement with various materials, textures, colors, and tools in the art-making process.
Materiality in early childhood is visual and creative arts emphasize the use of a wide range of materials to stimulate sensory exploration, support open-ended and process-focused art experiences, foster multimodal expression, connect with the culture and the environment, and promote collaboration and social interaction. (Penfold, 2019) By providing rich and diverse materials, educators and caregivers can create a nurturing and stimulating artistic environment that supports children's holistic development and creative expression.

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History of paper
Paper, an essential medium for communication and expression, has a rich and captivating history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and China. While the Egyptians used papyrus, a plant-based material, the Chinese perfected the art of papermaking during the Han Dynasty around the 2nd century BCE. Through a meticulous process involving mulberry bark fibers, water, and drying techniques, they created thin, versatile sheets of paper. Today, the paper continues to serve numerous purposes, adapting to the digital age while preserving its timeless significance.(Britt, 2012)

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Paper, oh paper, so light and thin,
With pencil or pen, we make our mark,
Writing stories and drawing in the dark.
Fold you into planes, sail them through the air,
Or craft origami creatures with love and care.
In books and magazines, you bring us delight,
Transporting us to worlds both real and bright.
From classrooms to offices, you're always near,
Helping us learn and work without fear.

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Paper airplane
Making paper airplanes is a popular childhood activity that brings back nostalgic memories for me and many other. It's a simple and enjoyable way to explore the principles of flight and have fun at the same time.

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Paper is present in our lives every day, and it is readily available. I have never thought about the impact of paper on us.
As I delved deeper into the exploration of paper and its potential as a versatile material, my understanding of its significance expanded tremendously. Through our discussions and insightful readings, I began to appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences individuals have with this seemingly simple substance. It amazed me how people could work with paper in such distinct and creative ways, prompting me to acknowledge the importance of nurturing personal relationships with materials.

Reading Chapter 1, "Studio Exploration," in "The Language of Art: Inquiry-Based Studio Practices in Early Childhood Settings," was a turning point in my comprehension of how children interact with materials. I realized the immense value of providing opportunities for young learners to explore and develop their own connections with various materials, including paper. Witnessing the multitude of ideas and creations that emerged from my own interactions with paper solidified the significance of this approach.

Additionally, "Thinking with Materials" further resonated with me, particularly in Chapter 2, where the authors explored the concept of movement with paper. I had never before considered paper as a material that could be incorporated into movement activities. It was a transformative realization that elevated my perception of paper beyond its traditional uses, such as creating simple paper planes. Suddenly, the paper took on a profound and multifaceted identity, revealing its potential to engage children in dynamic and interactive experiences.

Reflecting on these newfound insights, I recognize the essential role of exploration in a child's creative process. Allowing children to freely explore materials before engaging in structured activities enables them to develop a deep sense of curiosity and connection. By embracing this approach in my future practice as an educator, I will strive to create environments that foster exploration, empowering children to uncover the unique possibilities inherent in each material.

In conclusion, my journey with paper has not only revealed its incredible versatility but also highlighted the importance of nurturing individual relationships with materials. The power of exploration and the integration of materials in movement activities have expanded my understanding and transformed my future approach as an educator. By embracing this mindset, I aim to create an environment where children can confidently explore and engage with materials, fostering their curiosity, creativity, and overall love for learning.

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I made the dragon out of paper, cardboard, and recycled egg cartons. Making dragons out of paper, cardboard, and recycled egg cartons is a wonderful way to exercise my creativity and repurpose materials that might otherwise go to waste. Paper and cardboard can be easily shaped and molded into various forms, making them perfect for crafting dragons. And using recycled egg cartons adds an extra touch of environmental consciousness to my project.

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ATELIER RAGGIO DI LUCE - The wonder of learning - 2011. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. https://youtu.be/_3iodP-fRKQ

Britt, K. W. (2012). Papermaking. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/papermaking

Hargraves, V. (2020, June 28). The Reggio Emilia approach. THE EDUCATION HUB. https://theeducationhub.org.nz/the-reggio-emilia-approach/

Lella Gandini, Hill, L., Louise Boyd Cadwell, & Schwall, C. (2015). In the spirit of the studio: learning from the atelier of Reggio Emilia. Teachers College.

Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method. (n.d.). Www.a2zmontessori.com.au. Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.a2zmontessori.com.au/about-montessori.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjwkLCkBhA9EiwAka9QRsZyKl2dApk6orKBlXSuobrvPnw-5hYVq61NGv7Fd1TNc89wbjJi9BoCSX0QAvD_BwE

Penfold, L. (2019). Material Matters in Children’s Creative Learning. Journal of Design and Science. https://jods.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/bwp6cysy/release/1

Pacini-Ketchabaw, V., Kind, S., & Kocher, L. L. M. (2016). Encounters with materials in early childhood education. Routledge.

Pelo, A. (2016). The language of art : inquiry-based studio practices in early childhood settings. Redleaf Press.

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The use of paint in childcare settings has a long history, with evidence of its presence in various cultures and educational approaches.  Maria Montessori recognized the value of artistic activities, including painting, in early childhood education. She believed that art and creativity played a vital role in children's development and incorporated painting into their educational philosophies. (Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method, n.d.)The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, which originated in Italy after World War II, places a strong emphasis on artistic expression and the use of various art materials, including paint. This approach views children as competent and capable learners, encouraging them to explore and express themselves through different artistic mediums.(Hargraves, 2020)

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Painting allows me and the children to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a visual and tangible form. It encourages our imagination and nurtures our creativity as we experiment with colors, shapes, and textures.

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Paint is a versatile and invaluable tool in the childcare setting. Painting can evolve into many activities for children to learn. It shows up in our weekly schedule of events. It offers a wide range of benefits for children's development and learning. I see paint as a means of unlocking children's creativity, encouraging self-expression, and fostering their overall growth. It allows children to explore and experiment with colors, textures, and materials, stimulating their senses and engaging their imaginations. In the process of learning, I have a new understanding of painting.

when I read In the Spirit of the Studio, Second Edition: Learning from the Atelier of Reggio Emilia chapter 3. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the aesthetic dimension and poetic language in education. Paint, as a medium of artistic expression, allows children to engage their senses, experience pleasure, and explore their creativity. Through painting, children can develop their sensory perception, express emotions, and make connections with the world around them. (Lella Gandini et al., 2015)

Also, we read a book in the class "Encounters with Materials in Early Childhood Education" that explores the significance of paint and educators' role in early childhood education. It focuses on the idea that children learn and construct knowledge through active engagement with materials in their environment. I see paint as a means of unlocking children's creativity, encouraging self-expression, and fostering their overall growth. It allows children to explore and experiment with colors, textures, and materials, stimulating their senses and engaging their imaginations.

Through painting, children can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a non-verbal way, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It provides them with a safe and open space to express themselves freely, encouraging them to take risks and develop their artistic abilities. It's gratifying to witness children's confidence grow as they create and proudly share their artwork with others.

Moreover, painting encourages critical thinking and problem-solving. Children make choices about colors, composition, and techniques, stimulating their cognitive processes. It's rewarding to see them analyze, plan, and execute their ideas, developing their ability to think creatively and make decisions.

Painting is a social activity that fosters collaboration and communication among children. When they paint together, they share materials, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. It's heartwarming to witness their interactions, as they discuss their artwork, provide feedback, and collaborate on group projects. These experiences cultivate important social skills, such as sharing, turn-taking, and respecting diverse perspectives.

Overall, paint is an essential tool that allows children to engage in joyful, sensory-rich experiences while nurturing their holistic development. As an early childhood teacher, I appreciate the versatility and significance of painting in providing children with opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and skill development.

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After week one of study, I'm thinking that paper and painting can be combined to evolve into a fun activity. The children and I make caterpillars from recycled egg cartons. Then paint the color we like.

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Shadows and Silhouettes: Children can learn about shadows and how they are formed by blocking light. They can experiment with different objects to create shadows of varying shapes and sizes, understanding the relationship between the object, light source, and resulting shadow.

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During class we watch a video "ATELIER RAGGIO DI LUCE - THE WONDER OF LEARNING" video showcases a space that promotes interdisciplinary exploration, active scientific engagement, and group learning centered around the phenomena of light. It seems to provide a unique and dynamic environment for individuals of all ages to cultivate their scientific thinking and deepen their understanding of the world. Children's faces light up with delight as they witness the magical effects of light, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty and mysteries of the natural world. The emotional engagement and positive experiences with light have contributed to their overall well-being, creating a positive and nurturing learning environment. Beyond the cognitive and creative benefits, light activities have had a profound emotional impact on children. The joy and wonder that light brings have ignited their innate sense of curiosity and sparked a passion for discovery.

In reflecting upon my own experiences when I was young, I liked going to watch shadow puppets and playing with my grandma. The principle of curtain shade and ways of performance adopted by shadow play played an important leading role in the invention and development of the modem movies. The actors or actresses in a shadow play are figures made of cow leather. Being controlled by one or several persons, these figures are reflected via a light on the screen.
I found it very interesting and left a deep impression on my childhood.

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to incorporate these inspiring ideas into my future teaching practice. I am excited about the prospect of exploring light as a material that can ignite a sense of curiosity, foster joyful learning experiences, and stimulate the imagination of young learners. The endless possibilities that light presents fill me with anticipation and a renewed sense of purpose. I am eager to embark on this enlightening journey, embracing the magic and wonder that light has to offer in the realm of education.

In conclusion, light serves as a gateway to a world of discovery and delight. It transcends the ordinary and invites us to play, learn, and create. By integrating light into early learning environments, we have the opportunity to spark children's innate curiosity and cultivate their engagement as they explore the fascinating properties of this enchanting medium.

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I turned the light and blinds off and used the projector to create light on the cling.

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Clay is a natural substance because it is derived from the earth. Since kids adore natural objects, such as rocks, sand, water, mud, pinecones, and sticks, clay will be well-liked as well. A connection to nature and the arts, as well as many developmental abilities, can be sparked by using natural materials. Young children can express their unique thoughts, emotions, and developmental abilities in a variety of ways when clay is introduced to them. Young children have no preconceived notions about what clay is or how it should be handled.

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It's been a long time since I played with clay. When the teacher brought clay to us, everyone was as happy as a child. It also brought back a lot of childhood memories for me.

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I explored the clay with different dinosaurs and skeletons by pressing the dinosaur on the clay or either cutting out a dinosaur shape. I also made dinosaur footprints.

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Where I work teachers would prefer to play with playdough for kids. Because it is softer and easier to clean. After learning this unit, I feel the benefits that clay brings to children's development and bought some clay for children. Clay is an open-ended material that encourages creativity and imagination. Children can mold it into various shapes, objects, or characters, allowing their ideas to come to life. This process fosters problem-solving skills, abstract thinking, and divergent thought. As I introduced clay to the children in my workplace, I witnessed their excitement and joy firsthand. The opportunity to explore and create with this versatile material opened up a world of possibilities for them. Together, we delved into the messy yet wonderful process of mixing clay and water, allowing their tiny hands to shape their visions into tangible creations. It was a sight to behold, as their faces lit up with pride and accomplishment when they held their unique pieces in their hands.

We read the book “Encounters with Materials in Early Childhood Education” chapter 5 clay in the class. Moreover, I have come to appreciate the holistic benefits of working with clay. Not only does it provide opportunities for artistic exploration, but it also supports cognitive and physical development. The tactile nature of clay enhances fine motor skills as children manipulate and mold the material, strengthening their hand muscles and improving coordination. Engaging in this sensory experience fosters problem-solving skills as they experiment with different textures, patterns, and combinations of materials. It stimulates their imagination and nurtures their creativity, opening doors to new ideas and self-expression.

In conclusion, my journey with clay as an early childhood teacher has been transformative. It has reaffirmed the importance of providing children with rich opportunities to explore and create with diverse materials. The impact of a dedicated studio space, coupled with guidance on caring for and maintaining such spaces, cannot be overstated. Clay has become a catalyst for children's growth, allowing them to develop a strong sense of identity and well-being. Witnessing their artistic endeavors and witnessing their pride in their unique creations has truly been a rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue this journey of exploration and creativity with them.

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I use clay to make flowers and paint different colors.