There are few things as wonderful as observing children engage with the natural world around them. Inquiring Minds is delighted to share the recent artistic encounters with nature of Richland’s Junior Kindergarten children.

“To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
An eternity in an hour.” ~William Blake

We have been watering our seeds and now seedlings, each and every day that we planted in our wooden boxes in the Lobby. M. announced that, “The plants are growing because we give them water each day. They have sunshine near the window, too.”We ventured into the Lobby on this rainy afternoon to sketch ‘the growth of our plants.’ We observed that, “The leaves are different. Some plants are taller” and that “The pumpkin seed is still attached to the leaf of the plant!” We wondered ‘How could that be?’…Using our excellent observational skills, we sketched ‘Velvet Queen’ sunflower plants, pumpkin plants and several varieties of tomato plants. We used “Pencil first, then real colours” to show what we know.The language of critique and the openness for interpretation of their sketches was evident, as they assisted each other with ‘seeing’ the details on the actual plants that they may have first missed, as they sketched the plants.  “Don’t rush” was heard from V. since, as she remarked, “We will have another time to finish sketching and colouring in the Lobby, right, Mrs. Black?” After returning to class, M.’s ‘Show & Share’ began to unfold. How fitting that he had done some planting at home with his ‘Nono’ and his ‘Yaya’ and that he had brought along: bean, tomato,  carrot,  marigold,  and  watermelon plants to share with his classmates. Much excitement was seen and heard, as the children asked many intriguing questions and made thoughtful comments, about our new “gardener classmate.”

“As children observe, reflect, record, and share nature’s patterns and rhythms, they are participating in a process that promotes scientific and ecological awareness, problem solving, and creativity.” ~ Deb Matthews Hensley, Early Childhood Consultant