Busy Builders

Our class is over-flowing with busy builders; there have been some magnificent structures built since the school year started. During activity time, the children have access to shelves full of different building materials. These open-ended materials allow for the children full creative range when it comes to what they chose to make. The things that they build often represent structures or places that they already know. The children express their ideas and knowledge through their work.They are extremely proud of what they create and often request a photo be taken before they take it apart. 

Creating intricate structures forces the children to be gentle with the materials in order to preserve their work. As they build, they must determine how and where to place each block in order to keep their structure sturdy. Each time the building collapses, the children are recognizing the relationship between cause and effect and then using problem solving skills to rebuild it sturdier. The children often cooperate and collaborate when building. These concepts and skills will become more developed and refined each time the children build.