Thursday, December 5, 2019

Togetherness

We started our time in KW as we do most days, together in the Outdoor Classroom. There was so much joy and group interaction going on today from made up games to swinging in pairs, and sand play that transformed friends into pie! 

(Check out the captions in the slideshow for more details!)

Gifting Jack

Speaking of togetherness, the children presented Jack with his gift of the surprise place card from his parents! The children proudly presented the gift to Jack, joyfully watched him open it, and explained why it was important for using at lunch  (though Jack knew this point already!) Jack showed the different components that were included on his card and we learned a little about the things he likes such as patterns and visiting Maine! 

Working on the Light

Adding reflective elements to our light continued today. Before we started, we visited the space where the light will go. Children expressed concern about the light falling down and immediately began brainstorming ways we can be sure the light fixture is installed safely by bolting it to the ceiling, using  nails, and a variety of tools.

We returned to the Middle Room to get to work. We reviewed what was previously done and the sketches some children had done before they began working. The children were invited to draw, look through the trays of materials, and test out the reflectiveness of materials first. Austin wanted to review the meaning of reflection and Grace M. asked, "Can I make notes first?" Grace M. began sketching while Grace D. and Austin set to work testing the reflectiveness of materials and thinking about how to attach items they were interested in. Grace M. sketched an idea for a rocket ship she could create out of reflective materials and attach it to the light's frame.

 "This is hard." -Grace D.
Children realized and reflected on the challenge of discovering and implementing the best methods for attaching the reflective elements to the light's frame. We have decided that it will take some time and we will need everyone's help to eventually complete it! 

Along with these challenges children are confronted with many opportunities for problem solving and collaboration. For example, Grace David tried to cut some thick wire, "I can't cut it. It won't work." She tried a couple of wire cutters. Austin observed this and offered his help, "I can help." He cut the wire for Grace, " I cut it for you." Grace D. replied. "Thanks!" Austin and Grace continued to work together. When Grace D. came across another challenge of attaching the wire to the frame, Austin showed Grace tricks along the way and let her accomplish the steps, eventually twisting the wire enough around the frame to attach a brass menorah to the light structure. Austin's patience and willingness to support a friend through their process and Grace's persistence to overcome challenges is a great example of the scaffolding and collaboration we observe and encourage between children on a daily basis. 

All week children applied another problem-solving strategy of  trial and error to their work, as was true today when Grace D. tried a few options for adhesives before landing on one she was satisfied with. 

Enjoy the slideshow with more of the children's efforts today!

Dancing with Reflection

We engaged in  more dancing with reflective and translucent materials today:

Also today...

...there was an option for open clay, children added color to the shadow-tracing work Sam and Austin had done previously, a group worked on a puzzle together,  some children built with light, and Molly joined us for lunch!