This measure pertains to equipment and materials that encourage hands-on manipulation of real objects for children. These equipment and materials must portray natural objects and familiar things that are true to life instead of toy replicas and can be found in various interest areas. Some examples include empty food boxes and containers, newspapers, magazines, pine cones, and real dishes.
Category: Category 4: Indoor and Outdoor Learning Environments
Subcategory: Indoor Learning Environment
Examples
In this section you will find videos, images, and/or documents that can be used to better understand this measure. These examples can also be used in conversations between mentors, directors, and/or teachers to discuss how the program's current practices compare to these examples.
Photo Example
Real world objects can support a variety of skills, including gross motor play. In this photo we see toddlers playing with a real box and laundry basket.
Age(s): Toddler
Photo Example
This collection of natural objects includes items that promote hands-on manipulation as well as smaller objects that are protected in a clear container.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler
Photo Example
Living plants that children can help care for are a great way to bring nature inside. Dried leaves and seasonal vegetables can also promote exploration and conversation about different plants and seasons.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler
Photo Example
This photo shows examples of real objects provided in the classroom that promote children’s scientific understanding, including a magnifiying glass and various samples from nature.
Age(s): Toddler
Practice Opportunities
These resources include tips, strategies, activities, or specific tools related to this measure that programs can put into practice.
Publication
This brief guide provides ideas for how to bring real natural objects inside the classroom, as well as ideas for how to use the objects to promote conversation with children. Classrooms can use this guide to generate ideas for incorporating more natural objects.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Publication
This tip sheet includes ideas for setting up environments that promote interest in exploring materials. Use these tips and incorporate real-world objects like real cookware, food containers, magazines, pine cones, rocks, etc.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler
