Earlier in January, we shared with you that the children had been exploring hand sewing and were beginning to design their ideas for baby blankets to keep our classroom baby dolls warm in the chilly winter months. The sewing machine was then brought into the classroom to familiarize ourselves with machine sewing techniques and continue to increase our sewing abilities!
Becoming more comfortable using the sewing machine and understanding it different functions, the children were then ready to sew their baby blankets. Counting together, we discovered that we have been caring for seven different babies in the Brown Room so, naturally, we needed to create seven different blankets. For the past few days, children have been working in partner pairs to create these blankets together. Throughout this collaborative process, children have had to navigate both the pros and the cons that come as a result of working with someone on a team. Demonstrating turn taking and patience was key to creating these blankets. It was also necessary for the children to be effective communicators and listeners while sharing ideas with one another. Many children wanted to incorporate their own personal preferences into their blanket design, but were required to negotiate, compromise, and problem solve with their partner in order to make sure that both children's ideas were ultimately represented in the final blanket creation. While working together, Van and Eloise initially agreed on the front and back pieces of fabric to use for their blanket. Focusing on choosing "comfy" materials, they each selected a piece of fabric that was soft and also "matched" to include green color on both sides. When considering adding details to their blanket, their opinions began to differ slightly.
Searching through the collection of fabric pieces, the team decided to add on purple fabric pieces with a polka dot pattern. The purple color represented Eloise's preferences, and the polka dots were similar to Van's bubble design! More Partner Work: Thomas and Noah I like red. - Thomas I like orange. - Noah I want the froggies. - Thomas That's the same as that one! - Noah (matches orange dots on frog pattern material to the color of the orange felt he selected) I like blue. Like my blue blankie at my home. - Noah This is awesome! - Thomas Benji and Elizabeth
Betsy and Lily Betsy and Lily both agreed that their blanket should be pink. We both like pink! - Betsy Lily suggested adding a different fabric to the back of the blanket and selected a star patterned piece. Stars are beautiful. We see them shining at night. For the baby to go to sleep at school in the night. - Lily Nadia and William
Please take a moment to check out these beautiful creations the next time you're visiting the classroom!
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Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating Benji's birthday in the Brown Room! As always, we made sure to ask the celebrant, What is your favorite color? I choose red. - Benji Having transformed the burlap straps red through attaching material, it was time to weave them into Benji's gift. A Celebration! ... and the gift is presented! Also happening in Brown Room .... An introduction to clay & wire Babies don’t like to be cold. We have to be them warm. |
Before beginning the assembly and sewing process to create the baby blankets, we decided to introduce the concept of a "draft" or "design". We feel that offering the children the opportunity to draft a design (or multiple designs) for their baby blankets allows for stronger decision making and intentionality. As they plan, arrange, and make choices about their blanket details, they have not only considered their own preferences but have also thought about what might be best for the babies. |
*Benji initially places small, colorful square pieces directly onto the baby’s torso.* This is to help the baby’s ouchie. About the blanket: It needs a fuzzy one, a blanket. Because to be warm. I drew a monster. The baby likes monsters. It could be black. Or it could be orange. Orange and fuzzy. Nina has a blanket to be warm. - Benji |
In the classroom, we've been settling back into our routine with opportunities to sew, draw the figure of familiar "empty" trees and begin designing winter gear for our babies. We also welcomed Lucille, who will be interning at St. John's for the next two weeks. | |
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