Let’s try it!—Exploring possibilities

Posted: April 18, 2018

Young children benefit from being encouraged to inquire and explore possibilities. When they do this they can think like a scientist or an adventurer.

A great way to invite children to stretch their thinking and use their creative minds is to play the "Unusual Uses" game. In this game, the provider presents a well-known object like a clothes pin or a fork. The children in the group come up with as many alternate uses for the object as possible, beyond the expected, typical, known uses (Hadani 2015). It's important for teachers to acknowledge and record all ideas. Remember, the game welcomes unusual ideas. This flexible thinking strengthens a child's cognitive skills and sets them up for success in later academics and life.

Additionally, children might enjoy knowing that a famous African American scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver, became known for discovering many, many possibilities for things. His presentation "The Possibilities of the Peanut" shared 145 peanut products with The United Peanut Associations of America. This advanced an important crop for farmers in the United States and gave families a new way of making a living.

Ann Epstein, author of The Intentional Teacher (2015), says that intentional teachers are open to children's ideas, interests, and perspectives. They recognize that teaching opportunities often come during unexpected events or conversations and take advantage of those moments. The next time a child expresses a crazy idea, consider responding with "Let's try it!" and see how the tone of the preschool classroom changes! This openness on the teacher's part promises to result in broader, more creative play on the part of the children.

To support children as they explore possibilities, provide many open-ended materials. Some educators call these "loose parts." String, straws, cardboard, pebbles, sea shells, sticks, clay, yogurt cups, tape--these kinds of things can become props, tools in an experiment, and building materials. Having baskets or bins of these types of items, centrally located, available for use in all areas of a play space, encourages children to be dreamers and inventors.

If you'd like more ideas about supporting children's explorations, check out the websites Creativity Catapult or Curiosity Machine.

Or access these Better Kid Care research-to-practice articles:

For a more in-depth look at supporting children's creative thought, check out these BKC On Demand modules:

Download a PDF of this article!

References:

  • Epstein, Ann. 2015. The Intentional Teacher: Choosing the Best Strategies for Young Children's Learning, Revised Edition. NAEYC
  • PBS LearningMedia. n.d. "George Washington Carver: Scientist, Inventor, and Teacher." pbs39.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/americon-lp-george-w-carver/george-w-carver
  • Hadani, Helen. 2015.Inspiring a Generation to Create: Critical Components of Creativity in Children. Sausalito, CA: Center for Childhood Creativity.