Upon arriving at Tree Park today, the children made their way directly to the set of sprinkler access plates. Without prompting, each child stepped onto the lid and began jumping eagerly. This has organically become a shared ritual—an embodied way of announcing our arrival and preparing our bodies for outdoor play.
The rhythm of their movements created faint vibrations beneath the surface. While some children jumped with enthusiasm, the youngest child stood still, feet firmly grounding him in the moment. He quietly observed and felt the movements of the others through the metal beneath him. His stillness was not hesitation, but participation through sensation.
What learning is happening here?
• Large motor development through jumping and balance
• Sensory awareness including proprioception and vibration response
• Social-emotional learning through shared ritual and group identity
• Observation as a learning strategy—demonstrated through the youngest child’s participation
• Place-based learning—assigning meaning to a repeated landmark
• Ritual and routine providing predictability and joy
Connection to Curriculum Framework
“Children build identities as active participants and co-creators of their environments.”
“Children learn through relationships, repetition, and sensory experiences.”
“Rituals foster belonging and predictability.”
Next Steps
Continue to honour the children’s rituals and provide space for them to develop naturally. Consider revisiting this same lid when leaving as closure—just as they initiated it today. Observe whether vibration and sound continue to influence the younger children’s participation and curiosity.
Rosetta
