Read a sample chapter of this book! Adobe Reader is required. .

What can we learn from observing a young child interacting with clay?

Poking, Pinching, and Pretending investigates how one group of infants and toddlers learn about clay as an early "language." Inspired by the programs in Reggio Emilia, this guide encourages educators to share the questions and theories that come from observing and documenting children's interactions with clay to better understand how toddlers explore, represent, and learn.

Six chapters are organized to reflect the investigation cycle—from a child's first individual encounter with clay to how children in small groups collaborate with clay and each other.

Filled with richly descriptive photos of teacher and child interactions, as well as reflective observations and questions, Poking, Pinching, and Pretending is an insightful resource for teachers supporting children's journeys into discovery and rediscovery.

"This book unveils exactly how and why to use close observation and documentation as a way ....