Academic Projects

I've noticed that the children in the classroom have been interested in building homes. I heard one child say, "My house is going to have a big window in the front so my puppy can always look outside." Another child replied, "Well, my house will have a big backyard so I can put a huge swimming pool and a trampoline…AND a playhouse!" Hearing this conversation, I thought, "Why don't I make an activity that lets the children build their dream homes?"

When the children and I came in from outside, the children were playing in other centers, and I went and took a basket of foam, Duplo and connect blocks and placed them on a table. Once this was done, I put a chair on the carpet. I asked, "Look, friends! I got us a new fun book to read about building!!" That caught the attention of some children, and they came and sat down. As I was reading the book, I would ask questions about the book, and the children were very eager to answer. They were all very into the book. Once we were done reading this book, I said, "I think I see some pretty awesome builders here in this room. Who wants to build their own house and be able to tell me and your friends what your designs are?" "ME!!!" they yelled. I went and grabbed the baskets of different blocks and placed them in the middle of the carpet. As soon as the blocks were on the ground, all their hands were chosen blocks. As some children started to build, they were no longer interested and left. I didn't encourage them to stay; they had the choice to stay or go as they pleased. For the children who stayed, I asked them questions such as "How many squares do you have ?", "Can you count how many yellow shapes you have?" ECT. They answered all the questions with smiles and enthusiasm. One child in particular who was participating had selected mutism; making sure not to exclude her, I asked," Are Anna and Elsa going to live with you?" to my surprise, she answered, "Yes." Two boys were side by side and having a detailed conversation about having "racetracks and strawberry machines in their house." This activity was highly successful to the point where the children asked me, "Can we do this again tomorrow?" I answered, "OF COURSE!!!"