How to Curate Materials
When we choose materials for children to work with, we think about:
texture, color, shape, size
familiar and non-familiar objects
how do materials work together? how might children they connect them?
what space are you working on?
how many children will have access to the materials at a time?
what did the children do with the materials last time? how might you “respond?”
It is important not to think about selecting “right” or “wrong” materials. Choose a small collection, observe how the children use the materials, reflect on the experience, and consider what to do next. If the children discovered holes in some of the materials, add something that would fit through those holes. If they pretended to bake, add empty muffin tins and trays. If the children hid items in boxes to surprise each other, add a wider variety of boxes- size, color, and shape. Continue to think about how you can extend and deepen their play. What did your students do with your most recent materials invitation? How did/might you respond?
