Clarification for the Concept of Transformation
The video clarified the concept of transformation and explained the importance of engaging learners through visual representations to enhance their understanding. For children to recognize and specify different shapes’ attributes, they must go beyond using superficial shape labels. At Erickson Institute, the teacher uses this learning method, and it is interesting to see learners describe different shapes (Erikson Institute). This learning is crucial in early childhood development as learners gain critical thinking skills at a tender age. Learning through observation is an effective method that promotes the ability of children to understand taught concepts.
Children learn well through visual representations and letting them touch the shapes fully engages them in the exercise. The practical skill can help children prepare for further mathematical learning. It is also a way of facilitating long-term mathematical comprehension (Erikson Institute). The video brings out the concept of transformation in visual learning, as instructions given by the teacher are central and coherent. Viewers understood the importance of engaging children with early foundations in matters concerning mathematics. Moreover, it is interesting to consider having teachers who understand foundational math, as well as, the methods involved.
The transformation involves creating an environment and conditions that can potentially transform the learner on cognitive, social, emotional, creative, and intuitive aspects. An opportunity to interact with learning materials creates a chance for students to use old information to transact with new information in creating meaningful knowledge (Erikson Institute). Other materials that have been used to make this transformation include Google Apps for learning, Voice over PowerPoint, as well as outdoor games.
Engaging Families
Engaging families required the provision of learning materials, a favorable environment, and instructors. Parents were asked to provide children with different food materials to be used in this experiment. It is important for similar experiments to be conducted at home for the families to make follow-up on what the children are learning at school. This would be an easier way for the learners to keep checking on the progress of the experiment and make a comparison between the one at home and school (Blagojevic et al). The approach of learning should bring teachers and parents together to help children prepare for future scientific learning. Children learn to connect different concepts and natural processes that happen to plants including changes occurring after death. Moreover, parents can be invited to class during observation of such materials and contribute to the learning process. This would be helpful to learners, as they would see the seriousness and fun in the experiments.
Science Standard: Approaches to Learning
In the ‘decay Museum’ experience, learning involves examining a pumpkin harvest and cutting. Through different approaches of learning, teachers thought of coming up with the ‘decay museum’ (Blagojevic et al). This approach aimed at teaching children the science behind plant life. It encouraged the involvement of both teachers and parents to support children’s learning and ensure that they are provided with a favorable environment. Moreover, it is necessary to provide real examples to enable children understand the taught concepts in a better way.
Science Standard: Cognition and General Learning
Materials were kept in different conditions for some months and learners were able to observe the changes. The domain is founded to help children develop future academic skills in science, math as well as social studies (Blagojevic et al). In the pumpkin experience, much learning in science was experienced through observation, classification, and prediction.
Works Cited
Erikson Institute. “Feel for Shapes”. Erikson Institute, 2013, Web.
Blagojevic, Bonnie, et al. “The Rotten Truth—Discovering Decay!” National Association for the Education of Young Children vol. 10, no. 1, 2016, Web.