Worm investigation - 11th October 2022

This morning we headed outside after the light rain had stopped the children and I where walking around the yard when they discovered a large worm. Everyday we have been looking at the worms and snails and they keep getting bigger. We were all gathered in a little circle looking at the worm. Kavith was gathering sticks and bringing them back. Marlee said "wormy" so we named him/her wormy. Hunter and Jack said "snailllll!". Hunter tried to poke the worm with a stick but I mentioned that he is alive just like us and we shouldn't hurt it. Tilly was really interested getting very close to the worm. We were watching it move its body and trying to guess which end was the head or tail. Sandra saw one end go up high so were assumed it was the head. It's head popped up again so I told the children to say hi, Marlee, Aarvi, Tilly and Hunter said "Hiiii wormmyyyy!". I asked the children "do you think the worm is hungry?, what do you think it eats?" Lucas said "leaves". Hunter pointed at his mouth. Aarvi said sticks. We showed Elliot the worm and he said "whatttt". Then we showed Dylan jot, he smiled and looked at it closely. Us educators became curious about the worm and wondered if they can see and smell. Here's what I found: - Worms have cells called receptors that can sense whether it's light or dark. This allows worms to tell if they're underground or above ground. - Worms breathe by absorbing oxygen through their skin Overall, discovering and investigating the worm this morning was interesting for the children and they thoroughly enjoyed looking and talking to it.

Link to Pedagogical Documentation

EYLF Outcomes

Outcomes: 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world Elements: 2.4 Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment. Children were able to use play in order to investigate and explore new ideas. Through this activity children developed their appreciation for the environment and awareness of living things. Children were respectful and fair.

Theorists

This learning experience can be linked to Piaget's theories. He believes the child is an active learner and that the child must be given opportunities to explore, discover and experiment. These principal underpin all cognitive development.

Interpretation

I believe this activity was effective for the Joey's in order to show respect for the environment. They investigated a worm in real life conveying their appreciation and not attempting to hurt it. We questioned their functionality and children were able to participate in discussion and contribute to solving problems. Us educators provided natural resources within our environment and modelled respect and care. We enabled children to learn for the land specifically about animals and insects and they benefitted from seeing it in real life. Playing in nature encourages creativity, imagination and social skills and promotes an abstract way of thinking. Overall they had a valuable time discussing and exploring the worm and developed their social and cognitive skills. Follow up: Look for snails and investigate their body and shell.