Winter Week I

Winter Week I witnessed the children's seamless return to our classroom routines after a four day Thanksgiving break.  Our wall had been stripped of its Fall art work, so the children set to work creating new "Winter" art work!  We choose cool winter-like colors and used a different printing implement each day to create beautiful "snowflakes."  As in nature, at Parker no two pieces of "snowflake art" look alike!  In addition, we read lots of winter books and learned several winter songs!  

The block area bustled all week as the children continued to explore, construct and create with the Waffle Blocks that we moved into the room the Friday before the Harvest Feast.  From all appearance it was quite apparent that everyone was happy to be back at school!

 Looking Deeper:  Exploration and Learning through Play

Let's take a closer look at Waffle Block play.

Children are naturally drawn to Waffle Blocks because they are large and colorful.  Building with Waffle Blocks takes the children far beyond the initial stages of stacking and layering.  Constructing with these blocks necessitates utilizing sophisticated mathematical discernment and skill, given the two prong into three prong building block design.  Initially, the teachers, (especially Ann) model and mentor construction for and with the children.

Driven by their great interest and desire, the children are quick to master this technique and elaborate floor designs begin to appear all over the rug! 

In no time at all our young "contractors" master the technique for building walls, and their structures become three dimensional. 

Dramatic play and block play always go hand in hand, so the children quickly inhabit their "open-air structures," engaging in play that is limited only by the extent and direction of their imaginations.

Their sense of design never cease to amaze us as the children create practical uses for their creations as well! 

Before week's end they have installed roofs, created community dwellings and are enjoying one another's company in their cozy little houses!  

Waffle Block play engages and extends skills in all developmental areas.  One has only to "look deeper" at these photos to observe the ways in which the children have engaged their cognitive skills (thinking, imagining, mathematical planning),  their speech and language skills (collaborating, role playing), their social/emotional skills (empowering, interacting, pride, joy and delight in their structures), their fine and gross motor skills (lifting, connecting and putting away the blocks).  It is a joy and privilege to facilitate and witness the children's growth and achievements through play!

Have a fun and restful weekend!