Winter Week III

Winter Week III literally went out with a bang in two important ways!  First, as we accumulated some serious snow fall and finally had an opportunity to get out doors for winter play! 

Secondly, as we "banged" away at our Piñatas, and broke them open!  

Ice painting was also a highlight of the week!

Looking Deeper:  Exploration and Learning through Play.

Let's take a closer look at making a Pinata.

As the photos illustrate, breaking the Piñata was lots of fun.  Making the Piñata was fun as well, and the process was a valuable learning experience for the children on many levels.  Making things with children teaches them how those things come to be, a fact that may be obvious to grown-ups but is often a mystery to children.  Additionally, it illustrates that the process has sequential components that happen over time.  If the Piñata is to be strong and durable, no step can be missed and the process cannot be rushed.  That in and of itself is a great lesson to teach as it is an important metaphor for life!  

Including the children in the Piñata making process not only educates, it empowers them and honors their capabilities.  We seize every opportunity possible to reinforce the children's understanding that they are not only helpful, they are important, and their participation is essential to the classroom community!

Yes, making the Piñata was fun for the children, however, it may be one of the few times when destroying their creation was as much fun, if not more, than making it!!!

Have a fun and restful Holiday Season!