Since the beginning, the children in the East Wing have been interested in adding design elements to the fire truck and these became points for negotiation. After finishing the doorframe, the group focused on determining the color of the fabric.
Sammy: I think it should be red because fire trucks are red.
Naia: I want purple because I like purple.
Julien: Then I think it should be blue.
Philippos: Yeah, some fire trucks are blue.
Teacher Susan: Let’s take a look at our fire truck. What colors do you notice?
Julien: There’s blue, yellow and red.
Sammy: There’s some purple here. I notice the fabrics and arrow are red.
Julien: I know, we can mix up our colors.
Naia: Yeah, we can do all the colors.
Philippos: It’s going to be a rainbow.
Teacher Jessica supported the group in making this idea come to fruition. Together, they sprayed dye on the fabric to create a spectrum of rainbow colors. Then the children finalized the door by attaching the pulleys, fabric, and rope to the frame. Throughout the day, we welcome discourse as a way to solve problems and make meaning. When the group first considered color options, each gravitated toward a color that spoke to them individually. After examining the colors visible in the fire truck, they realized the fire truck they constructed is uniquely theirs, unlike those they’ve seen on the streets. This moment of mutual understanding inspired them to incorporate all the colors of the rainbow and this decision was an acknowledgment that all their ideas have value and belong in our community.
