As we have seen with Ella and Joe, children are likely to find different things interesting. Some, like Ella, will notice and be interested in how leaves make a noise and some will be interested in the range of colours. Some, like Joe, will enjoy the movement of the light leaves eg asking himself “why are they so light?” Some might be interested in why they have fallen off the tree or perhaps what they can see through the branches now that the leaves are on the ground.

Since Ella and Joe are such close friends, it’s not surprising or unusual to see them mirror each other’s play. Still, it was quite a profound observation by Ella and the sound of the leaves clearly caught her attention.

Is this something we need to consider a bit more? Does it fit with what is already know about Ella eg is she interested in sounds, listening to sounds and making sounds?

Joe appeared to not fully understand what Ella meant but found a way to continue their play together by incorporating her comment into his actions. Ella equally seemed to want their play together to continue and although Joe’s response has left her perturbed, she appears to abandon her interest in the noisy leaves and joins in by following Joe.