We responded to the children’s interest in stick play by reading the book ‘It’s not a stick’ by Antoinette Portis.
The character in the book is reminded to ‘Be careful with that stick’.
The drawings illustrate that in the character’s imagination, the stick is ‘not a stick’ it is a fishing rod, a baton, a paintbrush and more.
Educators captured images of the children using sticks as ‘not-a-sticks’. The children were then invited to describe what their stick was and their words were written down. “It’s not a stick – it’s a magic wand, I can turn you into a princess”. Next their photo was attached and the pages were made in to our own ‘Not a Stick’ book.
It is fairly easy to create a simple book out of plastic sleeves joined together with binder rings. Creating a book of the children’s work is a form of Documentation
Families were invited to look through the book. Collaborating with families helps extend the children’s learning and builds a connection between home and school.
Another book by the same author is ‘Not a box’. Discover what ideas your child or group will come up with when presented with a cardboard box.
Learning Discoveries 