Today, a teacher took out a set of printers, fax machines, keyboards (that were unusable) and some screwdrivers from the storeroom for the children to play with. The children do not normally get the chance to play with it, so they were all very interested in it. The children all wanted to take a screwdriver to ‘fix’ the machines. The children had to share and take turns with others with the screwdrivers. “Children develop responsive and reciprocal skills, such as turn-taking and offering” (The Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 74).
They all really enjoyed it. They all used the screwdrivers to turn some screws from the machines and they were putting back some loose screws back on. They really enjoyed it. Some of the children who were waiting for their turn were playing on the keyboards. There were also some notebooks and pens next to the keyboards and the children took that opportunity to do their ‘work’. They did some writing on the notebooks and then they did some typing. Then they repeated the process or they took their turn on the screwdrivers.
Then, a girl: S, she said to me, ‘you have your turn now’. I was so surprised that she would give me a turn. Then while I was having my turn, she was watching me, looking to see what I was doing. I was removing some of the screws by turning the screwdriver round and round. I repeated the process again and then S said to me, ‘my turn now’. So, I gave back the screwdriver to her. Then, I started to realize that she was copying what I was doing. I think I used a teaching technique called ‘demonstrating’ to S. As stated by MacNaughton and Williams (2004) “demonstrating will be most appropriately used as a teaching technique when: children are keen to learn the skill or technique” and “when children are exploring new equipment or materials that require skills or techniques that are new to them” (p. 56).
I think that bringing out this set of machines it a really good idea as it lets the children explores something new and different. They also get many different experiences from what we normally do. “The environment should offer a wide variety of possibilities for exploring, planning, reasoning, and learning, with space arranged to encourage active exploration, providing both new challenges and familiar settings so that children develop confidence” (The Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 83). Also, I think that other children can observe and learn from others. For example, when S observed what I did, she copied and learnt from that. Then, other children can learn from S. “The programme should provide opportunities for children to interact with a range of adults and with other children” (The Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 73).
I think that next time when it is my turn to set up something, I would want to take out the machines so that the children can become more familiar with the technologies. They could also learn and communicate with others. I also think that children can gain different experiences from using these items. I enjoyed watching what the children was doing and I was glad that I got to have a turn. I think S felt comfortable and enjoyed that I could show her what to do before she began exploring some more. I think that this activity is a good experience for the children and the teachers as we do not normally get to do this activity.
It's cool, Jackie.... Some of them may be our future engineers or constructors. Children like to explore and experience the new and fresh staff. Next time, you can make a project with them, like making a big car with wodden, screws, saws, supper glue and paint. It not only can let children have hands-on experience, but can let them learn and practice materials technology.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie, I have had similar experiences with children by providing them with ICT tools. It is interesting to see them to draw on the learning area automatically when I show them new technology tools. I liked the way you facilitated the learning opportunity by providing them with ICT tools because I am sure ICT is to support learning and development of children. I found that children are naturally fascinated in the ICT rich environment however it is our challenge how we extend on their curiosity and knowledge about technology tools. We will talk more about it later.
ReplyDeleteGood linking to technology. It was extending children's curious about technology. Next time perhaps you can get an used clock for children, and talk about how this works.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is acting an important role in children's life.