Teacher as Researcher – How long is a piece of string?

The Reggio Emilia approach allows for a collaborative exchange between children and their adults. As we observe, listen and document the process of exchange, we allow the children time to direct the inquiry from their own interests, honouring the children’s voice within a community of learners.

Having observed the children’s interest in string, we have seen many elements of fine motor skills as the children explore threading, weaving, twisting and plaiting. Using gross motor skills, they enjoyed creating huge spider webs to manoeuvre their bodies through. Numerical language naturally flowed as the children excitedly described the patterns and mix of colours they used. They also showed imagination as they shared their creations of decorations, gate charms and transformations.

Documenting the children’s ideas supports a reflection of our own practice and further research into what the children narrate to us, either through verbal or non-verbal communication. Through our recent findings, we have come across the artist Judith Scott, an amazing artist who combines various materials to create her masterpieces. Judith is a world renowned fibre artist, who communicates through the language of art. Inspired by Judith Scott, we are excited to see how long our string interest will go on for!