ABSTRACT
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a leader in early learning, providing a framework for best practice. Educators in the early childhood field, and also those in primary grades, give credence to the idea of learning through objects and value the place of objects in the classroom. Objects of all types—from artifacts and natural specimens to works of art—offer unique opportunities for children to explore and delve deeply into the stories and ideas behind real objects. For many young children there is a moment of surprise when they realize that objects in their world can be broken down into parts and pieces. The first grade team at Palm Beach Day Academy (PBDA) in West Palm Beach embraces object-based exploration as a framework for student learning. The object lesson, with its long history, holds a place in both formal and informal learning environments.
