The Problem (the exciting opportunity for learning):
Several children are playing with cardboard tubes of various sizes. Using funny voices, they are talking into one end of their tubes and pointing the tubes in various directions. Sachi hears Garth's silly voice behind her ear, but sees him standing in front of her. What's happening here?
Children's Possible Solutions
1. Sachi answers Garth by talking into her own short tube. He responds, talking into his long tube. She looks behind her again and sees that one end of his long tube is behind her ear. She tells Garth to talk again and looks to see where his voice is coming from - the end of the long tube.
Your Role: Be available to answer questions. Soon everyone may want long tubes. Encourage children to develop a fair plan so each will get a turn using the longest tubes.
2. Tova stands very close to Vicky, so a shorter tube reaches behind Vicky's
ear. "Can you hear me?" Tova says into the tube? "Yes," her friend answers,
"but I can hear your voice at your mouth, too."
Your Role: Encourage the children to experiment with whispers. Discuss their discoveries.
3. Sachi and Garth, both with long tubes, hide behind a room divider. They
stick one end of their long tubes just to the side of the divider. With silly
voices, they talk into the tubes causing children on the other side to burst
into giggles when they hear sounds coming from a place where they see no
children.
Your Role: Join in the giggles provided by this inventive game.
To Extend the Experience
1. Some carpet stores and upholstery fabric stores will donate the long, extra-sturdy cardboard tubes that carpet or fabric is rolled on. Provide these tubes outside for children's experimentation.
2. Ask parents to donate cardboard tubes. Put some of these outside where children can project their voices around the corners of the building, from behind trees, and from the top of the sliding board. CAUTION: Remind children that they should be still (not running or sliding) while the tubes are in front of their faces.
3. Have children invent a game where they guess the identity of a hidden child from his voice, which they hear through a tube.
This problem solving activity helps children develop their critical thinking
skills, creative thinking skills, motor skills and social-emotional skills.
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