Our first grade science "states of matter" explorations provide children with an opportunity to observe what happens when solids and liquids are mixed together.
Objects such as craft sticks, cloth, beans, candy, rice and rock salt are observed and charted according to their properties. Afterwards the items are placed in water and we see what happens.
The following day when asked, "What happened?" our young scientists eagerly raise their hands to share their observations. Using their important scientific words they tell us...
"Some things dissolved!"
"It evaporated!"
"They can melt!"
"It became crystals!"
"They can change to different colors!"
and...
"Some things didn't change at all!"
But, my favorite observation, which came at the end of the discussion, came from one little girl whose statement was so obvious I didn't even think of it. She said, matter-of-factly,
"They got wet!"
Indeed!
6 comments:
So sweet.. simple and precise.
It reminds me of when my son (now 25) was in Junior Kindergarten. At the end of some school days, the teacher would have the kids sit in a circle and answer a question.
On this day, when I was volunteering in class, the question was "What will you be when you grow up?"
I listened as the kids offered up professions such as doctor, nurse, teacher, Ninja turtle, fire fighter, princess.. etc.
A very quiet, introspective child named Raynebeau (just like it sounds.. Rainbow) stood and responded very matter-of-factly, as if everyone else just didn't get the true nature of the question.
"When I grow up, I'm going to be a woman."
Gotta love kids. :)
I love that kids can be so obvious, stating what we often overlook.
On a completely unrelated note, I wanted to tell you that I have talked about you (good things:) on two separate occasions in the past couple of weeks. Once was in my graduate social work class on trauma where we ended up discussing the deaf population and once was with a co-worker during a conversation about good children's books. "Well I read this blog by this really awesome teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing..." is usually how I begin...haha...anyway, I know at least one of my coworkers (from past conversations about you) has visited your blog numerous times and always likes to see your book recommendations for kids. So yeah, just thought I'd tell you that you're well-liked in my circles. :-) Haha! Have a great week!
Oh! And added to that, at some point in the past few months, I began to re-mention you to someone I have already mentioned you to, and she said, "Yeah! The Curious George guy, right?" - evidence that she has visited your blog. :-)
My point being, I guess, that even though my daily work and life has little in common with your work and daily life, there are so many things you share and do that are interesting to others in different circles, and so much to relate to as far as kids, books, and simple life joys.
Hilary - This is a perfect connection. It is the most obvious answers that we often miss and aren't those the ones that bring about the "Ah-ha" moments? The "answer that was staring me in the face all along", the big cures and solutions. Kids are amazing. This was a good reminder to stop being so full of ourselves and remember that sometimes simple is best.
Areille - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being referred to as the Curious George guy! I was asked to speak at the 8th grade graduation (by special request from the students themselves so I am really touched) and my plan is to talk about the things I learned in life from Curious George. And how they can take this wisdom with them into the world :)
I also LOVE the kindness and support you show me. Thank you. I think that our work has a lot in common when you realize that we both dedicate ourselves to help others grow and learn. All of that is universal. I certainly enjoy reading your posts (and my mom is a fan so what higher praise is there?).
The top ten children's books for this school year--as selected by my first grade class--will be posted soon. Stay tuned...
Rofl that last comment was perfect!
I love experiments with kids. :)
M
Ms. M. - I love how you are catching up! Color me impressed.
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