ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ideas for practice to guide the way children explore aspects of the material world. Learning starts with younger children exploring the names, properties and uses of common materials. In the next topic children further develop their knowledge of materials by enquiring into the properties and uses of textiles. Objects in the world are made from materials such as paper, plastic, glass, rubber, wood and metal. Materials have their own properties. For example, materials may be soft or hard, stretchy or stiff, rough or smooth, absorbent or not absorbent and so on. The material from which an object is made depends on its purpose. Modelling ideas through mime is a fun and effective way for children to convey their thinking. Contexts for mime need to be familiar and meaningful for the children. Clothes are mainly made from materials called textiles, often also called fabrics.
