After months of preparation, discussions, and designing, the group began construction with the help of Keith (Austin’s Dad EW). Starting from the bottom and building up, we began with the legs. The children divided the one-foot long round piece of wood into four pieces for the legs.
Engaging in significant math skills, the children divided the 12 inch piece of wood into four 4 inch pieces of wood and exhibited number recognition, one to one correspondence and addition, as well as division.
After measuring and marking the wood, the children began sawing. They negotiated the order in which they would have their turns. When all legs were cut, they set them all in a row to measure them again, and found that they were all even.
Laurel: “There are 5 railings on these two sides, that makes 10, and there are 3 railings on these two sides. That makes 6.”
Owen: “That means there are 16 railings total.”
The group had many experiences with all the tools, including some power tools that Keith brought from home. Keith and I explained the safety guidelines and the purpose for each tool. In remembering the process, the children spoke of their favorite experiences:
Jackson: “I liked putting on the bottom part the most because I got to use the saw to cut the wood.”
Laurel: “My favorite part was putting all the pieces together. I like using the hammer. But I loved using the power drill ’cause it drilled so fast!”
Dex: “I liked the first part when we sawed. I learned when you cut wood you could get wood chips in your eyes so you need to wear goggles.”
After completing the construction of the crib, the group introduced it at circle. The friends had many questions about the next step of preparing the crib to be ready for the house area. They wondered what color paint would be used, what the bedding would look like, etc. Committees are now working on the painting and decorating, and also the sewing of the bedding. The children of NSW look forward to the unveiling of the new house area crib. While in process, you can view it alongside the original model on the entrance table at NSW!
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