“The image of the child is one where children are seen as strong, competent, intellectual builders of theories. When we are in nature we can all be strong, competent, intellectual builders of theories”. (Loris Malaguzzi, 1994)

Every day the children are provided with the opportunity to explore their natural environment. Last term, many of the children noticed the apple tree situated in our ELC garden, which had an abundance of apples growing. With the assistance of their educators, the children were allowed to pick the apples and bring them back into the classroom.

Afterwards, questions were posed to the children; “How does an apple grow on a tree? What other types of fruit grow on a tree?”

Max: “The apple tree must have long roots”.

Zoe: “I have little apples growing. They are tiny and green. They grow from tiny seeds”.

Isabella: “Avocados”.

Julius: “And bananas too”.

A small inquiry began to unfold about the ‘Life Cycle of an Apple Tree’ and their thoughts were documented through their drawings and through our group learning meetings. We also explored different ways of enjoying apples which included juicing them!

The children shared their theories and will continue to research alongside their educators, to build an understanding of the many different types of Life Cycles from nature.