STEPS: I Am Learning in Different Ways
When I paint at the easel, I am learning...
- to develop my imagination and creativity.
- eye-hand coordination, helpful for learning to write.
- the names of colors and how to make new colors.
- to distinguish shapes and purposely create shapes.
- to notice patterns from background, necessary for learning to read.
- to express my feelings and ideas.
- relationships of space and size, necessary for mathematics.
- concepts of symmetry, balance, and design.
When I sort things, I am learning...
- to notice details, and similarities and differences in objects.
- to form categories; essential concepts for reading and mathematics.
- concepts of color, size, and shape.
- numerical concepts of more and less.
- logical reasoning.
When I explore books, I am learning...
- that print contains ideas and information.
- to use pictures to help me understand.
- to express my ideas using pictures and written words.
- how to turn pages and hold a book.
- to associate reading and writing with pleasure.
When I play with blocks, puzzles, trucks, and dolls, I am learning...
- to exercise my imagination.
- to express my ideas and feelings.
- to cooperate with others.
- to solve problems.
- concepts of shape, size, length, and location, important for learning to reason and do mathematics.
- to create and repeat patterns, a reading and math skill.
When I talk to others, I am learning...
- to listen and understand spoken language.
- to add my ideas to the discussion. My ideas have value.
- to express myself in sentences.
- to wait while others are talking.
- new vocabulary connected with the topic of discussion.
When I explore with water, I am learning...
- that some things sink and some things float.
- to observe changes as water takes different forms in different containers.
- about different temperatures.
- about wet, dry, and evaporation.
- what happens when you mix water with something (soap, food coloring, dirt, etc.).
- eye-hand coordination as I learn to pour.
- concepts of empty and full, less and more, relevant to mathematics.
When I climb on playground, I am learning...
- self-confidence as I develop new skills.
- physical strength, coordination, and balance.
- to use my imagination.
- to cooperate with others when involved in some dramatic play.
- to solve problems.
When I play dress-up, I am learning...
- to be flexible in my thinking.
- to try on different adult roles.
- to solve problems, especially socially, through negotiation with friends.
- to make decisions.
- to carry out my ideas, with the cooperation of others.
When I play with playdough, I am learning...
- concepts of shapes, relative sizes, big, small, length, height, etc.
- to express my feelings by squeezing and pounding.
- to exercise my imagination and creativity.
Adapted from When I Play I Am Learning written by Karen Miller, Children's World National Director of Education