This week my kindergarteners are learning about architects and builders. Each year I borrow classroom sets of wooden blocks from the kindergarten teachers to use. We read Roberto the Insect Architect and they build structures with wooden blocks and then draw what they build.
I have to suppress my innate desire for reasonable control as there is no way to do this quietly. My only requirements are that each table work as a team and that the structures must balance and stand on their own. It is great to see the kids get so involved and to see what they discover.
As each table decides they are finished, I take a photo of their structure (thanks to the wonders of digital photography). Here are two photos from today. Both structures were made with the same set of blocks but by students from different tables. The top one they called a church and the second one is a city with connecting roads. I guess I need to get some toy cars!
Love this Nancy! Questions - did each group work at the same time or did they actually use the same blocks and have a time to rotate? If so, what did the others do while one group was building?
ReplyDeleteI had borrowed enough of the regular-sized blocks that all tables had plenty to work with. After they built a structure together and drew it, groups took turns working with the big blocks on the floor. I also had some other sets of building materials (straws and connectors, geometric shapes, etc.) I could rotate among the tables. It was hectic and noisy but the kids really got engaged.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, it's a great idea but could imagine how chaotic it got.
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