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2/04/2012<br />

CONTINUITY …..<br />

1st June<br />

Emma, <strong>to</strong>day you brought your friend Mother Bear <strong>to</strong><br />

kindergarten. You had a clear idea on what you wanted <strong>to</strong><br />

do with Mother Bear. You asked if you could use the tape<br />

measure. You had remembered the one in the sewing kit<br />

from the previous week.<br />

Together we went and found the tape measure, you also<br />

thought you might like <strong>to</strong> use some tulle <strong>to</strong> make a “twirly<br />

dress” for Mummy Bear. You got busy measuring Mummy<br />

Bear which worked out <strong>to</strong> be quite long—17 inches. We<br />

talked about making a pattern for Mummy Bear. I was<br />

impressed with the way you thought about that suggestion<br />

Emma. You responded by lying Mummy Bear across my<br />

writing pad and tracing around her body. This will definitely<br />

give us an idea on how big Mummy Bear is. <strong>The</strong>n I suggested<br />

that you draw a plan on what the twirly dress might look<br />

like. Emma, you did a brilliant job of Mummy Bear in a tutu<br />

dress. I can clearly see how you would like the tutu <strong>to</strong> look.<br />

You got busy cutting separate pieces for the “straps, front<br />

bodice and back bodice. This is split down the back”, you<br />

<strong>to</strong>ld me. I was able <strong>to</strong> help you thread the needle so that<br />

you could begin your sewing. I can see you transferring your<br />

creative thinking in<strong>to</strong> lots of different areas of play, Emma.<br />

I can’t wait <strong>to</strong> see the dress on Mummy Bear!<br />

Case study of Emma<br />

Emma’s approach <strong>to</strong> <strong>learning</strong> was through doing,<br />

particularly her sensory experiences.<br />

Emma frequently showed the ability <strong>to</strong> be an<br />

independent problem-solver, using prior knowledge<br />

and experiences <strong>to</strong> deepen her understanding. Emma<br />

expressed a high concentration span.<br />

Rich vocabulary base of over 200 words at the age of<br />

two.<br />

Very good memory and could quickly recall s<strong>to</strong>ries &<br />

songs heard some time ago.<br />

Gifted Characteristics<br />

Curiosity<br />

<strong>The</strong> ability <strong>to</strong> learn quickly from mistakes<br />

<strong>The</strong> ability <strong>to</strong> transfer knowledge<br />

Depth and breadth of interest.<br />

Advanced preference in books and videos.<br />

Boredom when forced in<strong>to</strong> redundant work and <strong>learning</strong>.<br />

Decrease in quality on a series of repetitive tasks.<br />

Creative mischief<br />

Friends<br />

Games (Porter, 2005; Mare, 1991)<br />

Observing<br />

Allow the child the opportunities <strong>to</strong> explore possibilities<br />

at his or her natural pace and be prepared for changes in<br />

interest and commitment as each child continues <strong>to</strong><br />

move through changes.<br />

If the child keeps options open, the future will remain<br />

flexible and rewarding.<br />

Unless you work with the child your message <strong>to</strong> her/him<br />

is that you do not approve of or accept as s/he actually is.<br />

(Porter, L, 1995)<br />

Carola Sampson<br />

“Dereck”<br />

Noticing, recognising and responding<br />

Do you see all of the above?<br />

Noticing, recognising and responding<br />

2

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