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Then and Now: Writing Instruments


Today we looked at how writing instruments have changed over time beginning with the quill pen and ending with markers. The children were able to see how an instrument can change over time as people discover new materials and new ways of doing things.

We began using feathers as quill pens.  I was surprised at how patient the children were dipping the quill into ink before every stroke. Then they used two different fountain pens: one with a metal tip and the other with a glass tip.  From there we moved to an ink cartridge pen, ball point then the marker.  The children recognized and commented how each instrument changed from the previous.  The dipping of the various types of pens was enjoyable but the children still prefer to use markers.  "It's easier" said Jayla.

At the end of using the different writing instruments, the group made a timeline showing the evolution of the instruments.

Group time ended with Grace asking the question "how did they make paper in the olden days?"


Comments

  1. KieranFebruary 6, 2014 at 8:36 AM

    Cool! Neat how one question leads to another.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deb GrantFebruary 6, 2014 at 7:56 PM

    That is the best part. The children are really interested in how things are made. I am certainly learning a lot!

    ReplyDelete

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