The Early Years Foundation Stage states “When children have opportunities to play with ideas in different situations, and with a variety of resources, they discover connections and come to new and better understandings and ways of doing things. Adult support in this process enhances their ability to think critically and ask questions.” (EYFS Card 2.3)
We talk of ‘scrap materials’ and ‘junk’ modelling, both fairly derogatory terms. Perhaps we should take inspiration from the educators in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy who speak of reclaimed resources as ‘intelligent materials’, suggesting higher expectations and greater aspirations. Obtained at very little or even no cost at all, reclaimed and natural materials are, quite simply, priceless!
(Extract taken from Making the Most of Reclaimed and Natural Materials by Linda Thornton and Pat Brunton)
