During West Wing Back to School Night, a group of parents built an elaborate structure which became a provocation for the children the following day.
Fascinated by the extraordinary height of the two towers, the children were inspired to expand upon the structure. As Harrison added to the perimeter, blocks fell, resulting in the tower, made of tubes to collapse. This acted as a catalyst for Harrison and Avey to make repairs.
Avey stacks one tube on top of another.
Avey: Look, Harrison, it didn’t fall! Avey picks up another tube from the platform.
Harrison: Nooo.
Teacher Susan: What are you trying to tell Avey when you say, “Nooooo”?
Harrison: I want to do it.
Teacher Susan: Avey, did you want to add the tube to the tower?
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Avey: You can do it. Avey hands the tube to Harrison who stacks two more. The fourth one collapses.
Harrison: Repair it!
Avey: Yup, and another one. Avey stands back and waits for Harrison to add another tube.
Harrison: You want to put another one on top?
Avey: Watch this! Avey successfully adds another tube.
Avey: Yay!
Harrison tries to add another one and realizes he’s not tall enough to reach. He hands the tube to Avey who stacks it.
Harrison: Yeah!
Avey: Yay!
Reflecting back on these two experiences, I noticed both groups encountered similar challenges and joys while building together. Initial feelings of ownership and hesitation eventually dissipated as a common goal was realized. Collapses were addressed with resilience and acted as an impetus to try again. Individual strategies were recognized and contributed to the group effort. Through collaboration, new heights were reached and new relationships were built. Learning is a lifelong process and children and adults face challenges daily. Our ability to address those challenges effectively is contingent on our experiences in developing and honing strategies that support us in overcoming them. At NSW, children have ample opportunities to practice and, already, they’re building their repository of skills to which they will continue to reference, change, and add. -Teacher Susan