One day outside, Ryland was standing alone by the fence, looking out. I approached him and asked gently, “Ryland, why are you standing here all by yourself?”
He turned to me, paused for a moment, and said, “I’m watching the cars.”
, I asked, “Where do you think the cars are going?”
Ryland thought for a moment and said, “Maybe to shopping.
I pointed to the tree in the front and asked, “See that tree over there? . Do you know where the leaves go?
Ryland looked at the tree for a moment, thinking. Then he said, “The leaves fall down, and the wind takes them away.”
“You’re right, Ryland. The leaves fall to the ground, a. And in spring, new leaves grow on the tree.
Through the conversation I wanted Ryland remembering the event or
moment and retelling it and wondering more about it engages children and extends their thinking.