Embracing the Unexpected

The most impactful curriculum often comes from the unexpected - the moments that aren’t planned or scheduled. In the Reggio Emilia Approach, the environment is considered the third teacher, providing an essential framework and actively participating in the child’s construction of knowledge. We have noticed that nature serves as the crossroads between these two ideas: offering a highly sensory, engaging and rich environment with almost endless possibilities for the unexpected discoveries.

“Okay, let me draw the waterfall. The water comes crashing down and makes the waterfall more bigger.”

“The water is going faster. It’s going under the bridge.”

“It’s so cold, it feels like an ice cube. Let’s pop the bubbles!”

“Hello bubbles, it’s nice to meet you.”

“I see these beautiful flowers. Can I draw them? They are a really beautiful color. I wonder if a butterfly will find it?”

“I’m a nature guy!”

Over the past few weeks, small groups of children have ventured out of the classroom and into the beauty of the desert during their Atelier time. The Memorial Garden, located across from the church Sanctuary, is one area that has particularly captured their attention. Tucked away behind two enormous wood doors, children notice the vibrant colors and textures of the flowers and desert plants. They hear the sounds of water running and birds nearby. The open landscape and fresh air calms children, allowing them to focus and reset. They notice finer details, work intentionally, and approach with respect and gentle awe to the nature surrounding them.

“Is that a nurse tree?”

“Three arms! But wait, there’s no nurse tree. Nothing’s protecting them.”

“Why does that saguaro tree have a hole in it? Baby owls are in there.”

“It must be from when the lightning hit it.”

“Rain in a storm made that.”

“That is a different sound than the other one.”

“Where does the water come from? How does the water come through when the rocks are blocking it?”

“It’s a barrel cactus.”

“Every cactus is different.”

This time in the Memorial Garden there was also something new. Children immediately noticed that they were not the only visitors and wondered about the ants busy working carrying leaves and flowers across the floor. Teachers paused, valuing that children were interested in seeing what the ants were doing. There was no rush to hurry and move on, instead crouching down alongside the children and asking what they notice, what they wonder, and what they are curious about.

“I think there were cactus seeds, but ants ate them.”

“Ants are carrying leaves to their home.”

“I saw the ants carrying a yellow flower.”

“They are bringing it home. Maybe they are building a new home.”

“Maybe we will hear ants.”

“Why are there so many?”

“Just look at those ants… that might be a million ants! I still don’t know where those ants are going. Maybe into the gravel?”

“Bye, ants!”

Arizona is blessed with beautiful weather this time of year and there is so much to see and discover outside. The holiday season can often feel busy and rushed, schedules can be in limbo, and emotions can be running high. Step outside, go for a walk in the neighborhood, or simply pause and bask in the calm that comes with fresh air and stunning sunsets. Follow your child’s lead, allowing the time and space necessary for the unexpected to be revealed and then savor the JOY!

Book Recommendations:

●      The Giving Tree of the Desert: The Tale of a Saguaro Cactus and its Nurse Tree by Danielle Fradette

●      Desert Night, Desert Day by Anthony D. Fredericks

●      Way Out in the Desert by T.J. Marsh & Jennifer Ward

●      Cactus Hotel by Brenda Z. Guiberson

●      Sounds of the Desert by Anna Hill

●      Who Pooped in the Sonoran Desert: Scats and Tracks for Kids by Gary D. Robson