Holes

Holes are a source of fascination for this age group.
Already we have plenty of evidence for this!
The open-ended nature of this concept allows for plenty of entry points:

Henry, Jack and Chris connect by filling each others’ containers at the water table. And holes can be used for measuring – how much can fit in this hole?

Children use holes for social connection.

Holes address object permanence – when an object disappears in a hole, is it still there?

 

Kesler puts a wooden figure into a hole in a cabinet, then searches for where it has gone.

A hole can give a sense of mastery – or it can offer a challenge, an opportunity to solve a problem.

Josie joins Kesler, and together they work on getting a stuck piece through the hole.

Holes contain order –
and they contain mystery.

Johann peers closely
into a cabinet hole.

Holes are a part of us!

Josie and Jack notice holes in the
           eyes,
                          nose,
                                       and ear
                                                     of Listening Stone.

Holes suggest the safety & control of a boundary, and can convey protection.

Jack’s bird, and then Jamie’s and Livia’s birds enter holes in blocks and pipes.
(And animal holes may lead to other inquiries, such as animal homes.)

Part of the attraction of being in a hole is the awareness of the out, and vice versa…

Ellie runs through the holes in the sculpture Lincoln:
That’s one of these holes,
she says over and over as she dashes in and emerges from the giant tunnels.

Holes promote curiosity!