Transforming Solid Waste into Learning Experiences

摘要

This presentation is a pictorial tour of the innovative equipment I have designed and made for young children. The equipment is predominantly made from solid waste materials. It is about transforming someone else's rubbish into learning experiences for young children. I share how it is meaningful to both the children and their communities. How this project has linked people from the wider community to the early childhood environment, knowing that they are contributing their solid waste to be transformed into something useful. This equipment provides an opportunity for young children to manipulate and explore real world objects. Items are incorporated from the home environment and the wider world - to inspire and enrich young children's learning. In New Zealand I present workshops where I share with other teachers what they can do with solid waste to make equipment for their early childhood centre. So far I have made over 300 'activity centers', the name I give to the equipment. As the saying goes "one man's rubbish is another man's treasure!" Maria Montessori (1967) wrote regarding children in early childhood "At that age children need to touch and handle all kinds of things, yet hardly any real articles are placed at their disposal"