Design and technology (D&T) in the early years helps children to make sense of the world in which they live. After all, we live in a world that is filled with objects, gadgets and gizmos designed to help us live our lives, save us time and give us enjoyment; these range from houses to cars, from toys to mobile phones. Children can use their imagination to design new concepts or modify ideas with a variety of different materials, including junk modelling, wood, Lego and food.
Linda Thornton, early years adviser to Reflections on Learning and former primary adviser for science and design technology, says, 'It's a wonderful way of engaging children in active learning and thinking creatively and critically. It is a process-based area of learning where young children can begin to design and build with a purpose in mind. It's rewarding for both children and educators.'
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