Exploring Weight with Little Learners

Learning doesn’t always need a specific set of instructions.  Sometimes all you need is to provide your learners with materials and allow them to create their own learning experiences.  That is exactly what happened when my little ones explored weight together while playing with a balance scale.

When the kiddos were playing in the kitchen, I happened to pull out some materials, including my balance scale, from my math cabinet (end of summer cleaning).  That was all I needed to do for some learning to take place.

When my little guy saw my balanced scale, he looked quite confused.  The questions came pouring out, and it make my teacher heart so happy.  Instead of telling him exactly what it was, I gave him the opportunity to explore it  

He began putting food inside the buckets and began to notice the buckets moving.  Then, his sister joined in!  Soon enough they were playing and learning together by seeing who’s pile of food weighed more.  We then discussed the word ‘weight’ and what it means.  

Instead of intervening and guiding their play I just let them take over and they were able to not only have a great time, but learn how to use a balance scale and understand its purpose.