Caitlin, Emilio, Leo, and Harrison explore the paper in the Atelier. When it’s time to clean up and move on, Leo begins unrolling a paper roll and walking around and around the light table.
Leo: I’m making a home. Stop, stop!
Teacher Cynthia: What would you like them to stop doing?
Leo: I’m making a home!
Leo pulls the paper to round the corner
It breaks.
Leo: You didn’t move! I’m making a home!
Cynthia: You noticed it broke when you pulled it. Now I’m noticing you’re wrapping it around me. I can feel it across my back. I’m going to let you know that I am about to stand up.
Harrison pats Leo on the back in an encouraging way.
Leo: Stop, stop!
Cynthia: What would you like Harrison to stop? You need to give him more information.
Leo: Stop patting me on the neck.
Harrison stops and Leo continues to go around and around the light table until Cynthia supports him in cleaning up.
We all know exactly what we’re thinking all the time, don’t we? And usually we express it when it involves others. That’s something you learn. It’s a new idea to understand that others aren’t thinking what you’re thinking! By modeling how to give more information and practicing it with peers, communication is nurtured. -Kristin