Why Do Infants Play with Ice and Ribbons? - P.E.A.R Curriculum

Because learning begins with everyday moments.

To an adult, it may look wonderfully simple.

A tray of ice cubes. A handful of colourful ribbons. Tiny hands reaching out with curiosity.

"But beneath these seemingly ordinary experiences lies something extraordinary."

At Little Olive Tree, our P.E.A.R. curriculum is thoughtfully designed around materials that infants encounter in everyday life. By using familiar objects, we create learning experiences that are meaningful, relatable and rich in discovery. Rather than introducing children to something unfamiliar, we invite them to grow their world through association  and assimilation.

Learning Through the Senses

"Infants learn best by experiencing the world with their whole bodies."

Before they can explain what they know with words, they learn through what they see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Every new sensation helps build connections in their rapidly developing brains.

That's why our educators carefully curate play experiences that encourage infants to explore safely and confidently using all their senses.

Discovering Ice

One of these experiences involves something many families already have at home, ice!

As infants hold an ice cube in their tiny hands, they immediately notice the cold sensation. They watch with fascination as the ice slowly becomes smaller, discovering that it changes over time as it melts.

"There are no worksheets or formal lessons."

Instead, children are learning through observation, experimentation and exploration.

The experience continues through ice painting, where coloured ice cubes are rolled across paper to create beautiful patterns. As they push, roll and watch colours appear, infants are not only creating unique artwork but also strengthening their hand control, coordination and curiosity.

Dancing with Ribbons

Another favourite material is ribbons.

Different lengths, colours and textures invite children to move freely and express themselves.

As they wave ribbons through the air, they begin discovering concepts such as long and short, smooth and rough, while also developing body awareness, coordination and confidence through movement.

What may appear to be simple dancing is actually rich learning taking place through joyful play.

The Power of Everyday Materials

"Meaningful learning doesn't always require expensive toys or complicated activities."

Often, the greatest discoveries begin with ordinary materials thoughtfully presented by caring educators who know when to observe, when to encourage and when to simply let children explore.

Through the P.E.A.R. curriculum, these everyday moments become opportunities for infants to wonder, investigate and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Because at Little Olive Tree, we believe that every small discovery today helps nurture confident, curious learners for tomorrow.