I made an effort to get back to the butterfly. I wanted to know how children’s imaginations works and how they recall the story I read to them last week. In order to provoke, I intended to take an unplanned action. I asked the children, “Why can’t we make a butterfly?” as they were playing with playdough.
Nithya: Remember when we talked about butterflies last week? Why don’t we try making our own butterflies with playdough?“
As BCELF states, “Materials live in the world in multiple ways. They
can evoke memories, narrate stories, invite actions,
and communicate meanings. Materials and objects
create meeting places. In early childhood education we
gather around things to investigate, negotiate, converse,
and share”.
Ryland: Yeah, lets make it, teacher can you help me? They were eggs!” “Then they turn into caterpillars!”
Nithya: “Yes! So maybe we can make a tiny egg and a little caterpillar first. Let’s try it!
Vasco: “With big wings!” “Lots of colors!”
Nithya: How big would your butterfly be?”
Mine would be as big as my hand!” “Mine would be teeny tiny, so it can hide!”
Nithya: “What a great idea! Imagine if it could hide anywhere… where would it go?”
Children: “In the flowers!” “Under a big leaf!” “Maybe in my pocket!”
Nithya: “Oh! You’d want your butterfly to hide in your pocket Theo ? But wait… how do you think it would feel inside your pocket?”
Theo: ” Like a little bed!”
Nithya: But butterflies need a little bit of space to breathe and to spread their wings. Hmm, what else could we make for it so it feels cozy but still has room to fly?”
Theo: “Maybe a tiny house!” “Or a flower garden in my pocket?”
Nithya: Wonderful! butterfly would love a tiny flower garden. What would you put in it to keep your butterfly happy?”
Theo: “Some little flowers!” “And maybe some leaves and honey to drink!”
Nithya: MMM!!! You guys are amazing..
By engaging this conversation I wanted the children to get sense of community, letting children feel like they’re part of something meaningful and inclusive, while gently highlighting the connection between their caring actions and the supportive environment they’re helping to create.