“For the child . . . it is not half so important to know as to feel. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. . . . It is more important
to pave the way for a child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts
that he is not ready to assimilate.” ~ Rachel Carson
First, I want to apologize for the amount of time that has passed since my last blog post.
Among other things, I had computer troubles that have since been resolved. A lot has happened during this time including a long awaited change from winter to spring.
For me winter seemed so grey and unending. During the colder months I tried to do things that appealed to my senses, like drink hot chocolate, knit a red wool sweater
and listen to music from warmer places. But still my senses felt as though they were asleep. Now that spring has arrived, I find myself at last feeling more attuned to the world. The smell of soil, the sound of bird songs, and the colour of shoots emerging has really lifted my spirits and inspired me. My senses are coming out of hibernation and I am beginning to feel like a child again – eager and awake.
When I watch children play it is like being revived by the spring warmth. Children are so sensitive to colours, sounds, textures, tastes and aromas. For a few weeks I observed four and five year olds drawing after their five senses were engaged in the creative process. It was really interesting to see what they drew after looking into a kaleidoscope, tasting a marshmallow, touching some feathers, listening to music, or smelling a cinnamon stick. I was constantly amazed by the connections they made – to prior knowledge, to memories of earlier experiences, to things they imagined. One child did a beautiful drawing of her mother toasting marshmallows over a campfire! I am reminded to continue providing more opportunities that support children in discovering – and representing – what can be learned through their senses, and to learn that way myself.
A few suggestions for interesting sensory experiences that encourage learning, foster
curiosity and inspire creativity include:
- Make playdough or finger paint using spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract
- Go on a listening walk, notice and describe different sounds (e.g., wind, birds,
cars) - Invent a story using mystery items in a “feely bag”
- Plant herbs like mint or chives and then enjoy cooking with and tasting them
- Look at unusual items using a magnifying glass (e.g., stones, pine cones, feathers)
- This blog post is dedicated to the memory of Donald Alexander Robertson (October 22, 1937 – March 9, 2012). He was a kind and generous person, so open to what the world had to offer – always wanting to learn, do and experience more. He will be missed, but how he lived his life will always be a reminder to live and enjoy life fully.
“The great person never loses a childlike spirit.” ~ Mencius