In the Front Yard, Archie, Aiden, and Gus joined ideas to make a ramp. They struggled to get the cement blocks to the area they needed.
Aiden: Need help?
Archie: Um, Yeah.
Aiden: Theo, can you help us?
Ok, put it on top.
Theo P.: No, it will fall.
Archie and Aiden continue to build, adding planks. Archie goes again to carry the block. Gus notices and says:
Gus: Hey, put it on the top!
Archie: No, it will fall.
The children constructed a physical ramp, challenging their abilities and testing their knowledge. In reflection, they are constructing their own knowledge because they are working in groups. Theo P. has had many construction and deconstruction experiences. Archie was able to learn from him and apply his understanding of balance without having to test it for himself. These are the spoken words that give us this evidence of learning and what we don’t hear is the internalized learning of the others present. Several children are exposed to knowledge by working in groups. We’re focused on understanding where they are in their knowledge and creating opportunities for them to reach beyond what they know to create new meaning. – Teacher Cynthia, Kristin