Open-Ended Materials Support Multi-Age Play
The video above has been created as a self-guided learning tool for you. First, watch the video. Afterwards, a series of questions will appear below. Consider these questions and replay the video. After watching the video a second time, click to reveal answers to each of the questions to find out if you’ve identified key points.
What makes this a suitable activity for a group of children that is multi-age?
Water play is open ended, so each child can approach it in a way that is appropriate for their own level. At the same time, the water pump poses a challenge for some of the children. The younger children don’t seem to be able to get the pump to work on their own. The older children are willing to demonstrate how it works and help the younger children fill their buckets.
What did the provider do to support the different age groups?
While the provider is not seen in this video clip, she has arranged the outdoor environment for water play, has provided supplies for the children to use with the water, and is allowing the children to work together and problem solve without her intervention.
Filmed in a family child care home.