Last week,  we asked children what makes a good story?  Not surprisingly, we had answers about the character Pikachu, a good idea (or story line), and action.  Throughout the process, children have formulated their own theories about the question, "How can I create an engaging story for my friends?"  As we worked yesterday,  another important element to storytelling came to our attention: humor.   

Throughout the week, we will be working on messages for incoming children.  This is an opportunity to show new (or returning) families some of the ways we work with materials.  Many of the KW-created messages will feature hand sewing or machine sewing.  

We brought small groups to the documentation to remind us of all the possibilities we had previously suggested.  children clearly remembered the fun choices, such as Louisa's "Strawberry Pineapple Smiley Face."
   Cal - I like Stinky Workshop.   I like Pikachu Workshop.
   Bailee - I like Puppy Workshop. 
   Seon - I'm thinking.... Workshop Kids.  (Seon plays with the current name by reversing the words!)

One constant has been the word "Workshop."  Perhaps we can use this base to build a new name:
     Hugh - What about AW?  (Referring to Afternoon workshop)
    Ford - We already said "AW" (for Afternoon Workshop). But people will get confused and just say "KW."  (Because the names sound so similar.  
     Hugh - I think they will get it right.
     Ellie - I like Children's Workshop.
     Ford - Why do we need a new name for KW anyway?
     Jill - Because we really don't use the word "Kids" at this school.
​     Cate - Would people really think are baby goats?
We may be getting closer to a new name.  We'll keep you posted!

After Molly read, the group reflected on some of the stories.
    Saul - It was funny when Pikuchu was stuck in the chimney. (In Cate's book)
    Hugh - Cate's book and my book both have a cave and Pikuchu.
    Brigitte - What are some things you need for a good book?
    Finlay - The way to make a good book is to have a good brain and good ideas. 
    Cate - And Pikachu.
​    Finlay - And action.  

On Friday, the conversation continued:
​    Jade - Maybe we should talk to the Rainey Room because they will be the children in KW next year.  
    Ellie - I like Pineapple Strawberry (referring to a name that Louisa has suggested before).
    Mimi - Beach Workshop.
  Ford - (Referring to a paper that says "Food,"  which looks a lot like "Ford") Food Workshop or Healthy Food Workshop.
    Finlay - Lunch Play.
    Jade - Because that's basically what we do.
    Finlay - What about Team Dream?
    Hugh - What about Fun Squad?
    Jade - Or Lunch Squad.
    Cal - How about Stinky Workshop.  I love Stinky Workshop!

Through group discussions, we have been able to eliminate a few of the names.  However, we may have added some new possibilities!  We were impressed by the children's thoughtfulness and the consideration shown for the future KW participants.  There's obviously more work to come and we will keep you posted on the process.

While on our Reggio study tour, we often observed documentation and presentations that focused on small stories.  Sometimes, these examples featured only two or three children.  When we zero in  like this, we notice several things.  To name just a few:

• the relationships that children have with one another,
• the relationships children have with materials,
• the connections that children make between their previous knowledge and a new experience,
• collaboration and problem solving,
• the possibility of trying something new or making a discovery

Here's some examples of things we saw yesterday and today.

Today and yesterday, Wilder was eager to return to cherry blossom watercolors.  He remembered that he'd previously used small dots to represent the blossoms.  As they watched him carefully painting, many friends implemented the same technique.  Cate, Seon, Mimi, Ellie, Hugh, Capers, and Finlay all incorporated dots into their work.

On Thursday, we prepared chocolate cake!!
Cooking projects are a highlight in the KW program.  In addition to being fun and delicious, children work on measuring ,  counting, and following directions in order or sequencing.
   Luke - I mixed and I poured the sugar.
   Lucas - I liked the whole thing.  I like to get my hands dirty (sometimes that happens when we grease the pan).
  Finlay - I'm really happy that I'm cooking for Cate's birthday committee (connecting this experience to Tucker Room work).
    Cate - I'm having mac and cheese bites (for her birthday).