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Invitations for Learning 

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Invitations provide an appealing way to present an opportunity for children to explore materials. A teacher usually plans an invitation in response to children’s interests or to extend previous learning. An ‘invitation to learning’ may also be prepared to introduce new concepts, words or skills. A teacher may want to use an invitation to introduce a new book by combining it with related materials.

Infant invitations may include:
  • A water table with warm water and some sink/float materials
  • A large box to climb in and out of
  • A blanket on the floor with materials hanging above it so babies can touch and move them
  • Blocks with various textures
  • Balls of various sizes and textures

Toddler invitations may include:
  • Balls and clear tubing
  • Pussy willows, pine cones and cattails
  • Water table with some clear containers to pour and scoop with
  • Selection of blocks and a book with pictures of buildings
  • Rubber boots and a puddle
  • Clear flexible tubing and funnels attached to the fence

A caution when providing invitations for very young children is that they learn through oral experiences by putting objects in their mouth. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that children are carefully supervised and that materials are nontoxic and are not choking hazards. In addition, care should always be taken when children are in near water.