According to the National Quality Standard, Resources, materials and equipment can be allowed for multiple uses to support environmental sustainability and for children to learn to be environmentally responsible and show respect for the environment. This workshop presented by Penny Birdsall explores the way in which we can source different materials, re-purpose them and present them to children in interesting ways to encourage creativity and enhance curiosity.
Penny passionately advocates the "Loose parts Theory", a theory developed by architect Simon Nicholson who believed that immediate materials in our environment can have multiple uses and empower creativity. He states that materials can be taken apart, redesigned and organised and reconstructed. This process is thought to encourage curiosity and creativity in the learning environment.
From boxes to bubble wrap to natural sources such as leaves, the workshop will explore the recycling of the abundance of materials around us that can be repurposed for creative activities for children. She will explore the Reggio Amelia approach to recycling where we can encourage a child's curiosity to learn by supporting them in an innovative and inspiring environment.
Penny's tip on how to get started at your centre:
Involve children and parents by asking them to bring a bag of recycled materials from home, these can be a range of materials from pebbles to plastic bottles. After these materials are gathered it is important to organise these items into different categories and storage containers at your centre. This will help the materials be more aesthetically pleasing to help children to engage with these materials.
Penny is an Early Childhood Professional with over twenty five years experience in a variety of Early Childhood Settings in both New South Wales and Queensland. She has been an Early Childhood Teacher, Director, Manager, Tutor and Adult Education Assessor and Trainer within the Tafe system. She has worked for community based, council, private and large non profit organisations.