Friday, February 10, 2023

2/10/2023

This Week in Small World

Several Tucker children have an interest in Pokémon. Imagine their delight when Brigitte brought in Pikachu figures for use in small world. What impact did the figures have on the scenarios that children developed in small world?
Finlay - I played ice cream stand and at the ice cream stand you could give a bubblegum (small multi-colored pieces) and get electricity.
   Jill - The electricity is important for Pikachu?
   Hugh - Yeah, because without electricity, he can't defend himself.
   Luke - He uses electric power.
   Cate - I built a house for Pikachu.
   Saul - I built a whole new tower for Pikachu.

The brother and sister share a room. The unicorn sleeps on the top bunk with all the jewels. The turtle sleeps on the bottom with his dog.

As we have been researching possible names for KW, several families have mentioned the value of the mixed age group. Small world provides a context for exploring new friendships. This was evident as Ford and Frances played together on Thursday, taking on the roles of a brother and sister. They both own a dog.
   Frances - It was show your dog day at school.
   Ford - I'm a turtle.
   Frances - I'm a unicorn, we had a fashion show. I'm sorry, brother, but I have to do a fashion show. I'm a teenager unicorn.
   Ford - It's almost Halloween.
   Frances - No, it's almost Christmas!
Ford - Well, I only found Halloween decorations. (Ford goes to the materials and finds a Christmas tree and small presents for decorations.
Frances - Goodnight, baby brother. I know you don't like it when I call you baby brother, but you're my baby brother.
   Ford - I'm not a baby -- I'm a grown up turtle. Why is there cake on my skate board?
   Frances - It's a prank! It's a shaving cream prank on you!
   Ford - Hey sis, look, I got a new table. Hey sis, don't get too excited!
   Frances - I packed my bags, we're going to Mexico!

As Frances and Ford are playing, they mention Halloween and Christmas. Will Valentine's Day be celebrated in small world?
   Cate - Yes, I will. I'm putting out Valentine's Day presents.
Cape - Today it's Valentine's Day (in small world) because there's no Santa. (Cape frequently takes on a Santa role, delivering tiny presents to the inhabitants of small world.)
   Finlay - It's a great idea, but Pikachu doesn't have a love.
   Cate - But Pikachu will like getting these presents.

Looking ahead:
In the coming weeks, we will connect more materials and experiences to our small world scenarios. Here's some possibilities:

Children have made clay accessories for small world. We're in the process of glazing them, after which we will included them in small word.
Sewing: possibly making tiny baskets, table linens, or pillows for small world.
Weaving: possibly making small rugs for the rooms.
Using the shadow screen to project images as a back drop for small world environments.
Books: Making illustrated books from the stories that children tell in small world.
Paper Sculpture: for making possible playground equipment.