I love to observe young children "at work."

Some of the  places where I see children totally engaged in learning is when they are playing or listening to a story.
When children play it is often not neat and orderly, it is messy. Nevertheless, they are problem solving, wondering, and making connections.

Additionally, when children listen to a story, they are once again thinking, wondering and making connections.
Children are natural explorers and play is the avenue they use to learn.
Children are also great listeners and  both reading and telling stories opens up doors for new knowledge.

My questions:

What is happening when children are playing? 


What is your favorite story?