"Look in my hands!"

Most days at school I am the observer of discovery. Children play and invent and reinvent, and I document and photograph my interpretation of what is happening.
I love my days using my educator lens and valuing the children's work in the very moments it is all unfolding.

There are moments, as well, however, when discovery is delivered to me - literally - by the hands of children. This week, on one particular day, within a short time frame,
2 children came right up to me to show me their most beautiful findings.
My camera was ready.

"Look! I made a heart out of sand!"

"Look! I have a big metal rock and a small black rock!"

I love working in the world of children.

To be allowed to witness the discovery of Amazing and Beautiful things that exist in the world in the spontaneous time frame that children find them - well - that is the reason I continue to teach.

As adults we don't "discover" sand heart or rocks: I know I would not see these things anymore if it weren't for the children.

What have your children discovered lately that was amazing and beautiful?

mud muffins from the outdoor kitchen

Oh, to bake in a muddy sandy outdoor kitchen.
Oh, to collect the sand,
bucket up the water,
sprinkle it all into a muffin pan,
smash it and stir it with a long blue spoon, and - don't forget - add a dash more water with a metal teapot...

Oh, to bake in a muddy sandy outdoor kitchen.
Come on in, order up a muffin and have a chat with this 4-year-old baker..there will likely be some magical ingredients in this clever recipe.

What are some of YOUR favorite tools to have available in your sand/mud area? 

three words: Uncover Their Story

I was inspired by Scott at Brick by Brick and his 'One Word: Listen' post this week.
I reflected back on my own post from last year with MY One Word: Brilliant post and do feel like I lived fairly brilliantly for 2012.

Uncovering Jack's story of his straw and stick flying aircraft.

My new word for 2013 is not one word but three...
My focus is to Uncover Their Story when working with children. 
To do this, it requires
Stillness
Listening
Questioning
Respecting
Reflecting

I am fascinated by Process - and the Diversity of Process - by which individual children embrace their play.
I am fascinated by Use of Materials and how attaching, connecting, layering and technique come together to create some sort of collage or aircraft or kite.

I am fascinated by the life of children.
I am eager to Uncover Their Story and share those stories with you.

Do YOU have a word for 2013?
cheers!