Creating different kinds of homes for the animal figures has been a reoccurring interest in the Building Space. The children discuss different needs and accommodations their animals require in their homes. Lua, Hayden, and Lucy C. were working together on a stable for the ponies.
Lua: “We need some rope for the horses.”
Lucy C: “Yea, we need some rope so the horses don’t run away.”
Lua: “Silvana, where can we get some rope?”
Not wanting to solve problems for this very capable group, Silvana replies, “Check the back patio.”
The girls come running back enthusiastically, “We found this!” They bring back a spool with string. They begin to measure and estimate how much string they need. It takes a few trials before acquiring a size they feel works well.
With confidence gained through self guidance, Lua explains the steps she takes, and demonstrates to Lucy C. and Hayden how she ties the string.
Lua: “First you put the string around the horses’ neck. Then you take the two pieces and you make an ‘X’. Then put a piece under the loop that you’ve made and you pull it. That’s how you tie it. And if you want to tie it around the cone you have to leave a long piece and do what you did to the horse.”
The children’s skills in conveying concepts, ideas, and strategies is strong. The teachers intend to keep the string in the Building Space and wonder if other children will be inspired to apply string to their creations.