Welcome to the 2nd installment in our "Just Playing?" series! You are invited to view the photos and really think about what you see going on here and be sure to share your thoughts, observations and reflections in the comments. Sure, the children are playing, but they are also learning!
The students in these photos are building a wall with blocks.
When someone accidentally bumps the blocks and they fall like dominoes, the children rebuild, this time placing the blocks closer together.
Last week's post, "Just Playing?": Cooking With Meatballs, featured children "cooking" on the playground with sand and gumballs from our Sweet Gum tree.
I have a short video clip that explains a little more about what they were making:
The children explained that they were making a saute' with sand, meatballs, rocks and ants---and the ants were their helpers!
We may be "just playing", but....
What are the children doing here?
What do you see?
What learning is taking place?
What skills are being practiced/developed?
This post is part of the "Just Playing?" Blog Hop!
Thank you for remembering that young children do not "just play." Young children play. They develop through play. They learn through play. They experiment through play. They grow through play. A child's work is play. Play is important!
Please take a moment to reflect upon the photos and questions above. I would love for you to share your observations in a comment. I'd also like to invite you to "hop" on over to all of the other bloggers who are sharing photos of children learning through play this week:
If you are looking for more of our “Just Playing?” posts and resources from around the globe, please visit our Pinterest Board.
Are you a blogger? Would you like to join the JUST PLAYING? blog hop community?
You can join the hop via our Facebook Group: Just Playing?
or please contact Amy from Child Central Station for more information.
Ayn
ReplyDeleteThe initial design by the children of vertical blocks spaced just so displays intention, planning and follow through. I am impressed with the quick new construction idea of a solid block wall with no spaces - no opportunities for the domino to happen again. I am curious if this resolution was initiated by one child and followed by others or if it was trial and error a few times? Navigating block structures, children's bodies and space available is always a challenge!
Jeanne (zella said purple)
A great experience of cause and effect or action and reaction. They are problem solving and working with others. They are experimenting with spatial awareness and measurement. The spaces between the blocks on the first arrangement are impressively even.
ReplyDeleteI love their cooperation and determination - if it falls down, they build it again. Also a great lesson in cause and effect!
ReplyDeleteProblem solving and perseverance are what stand out to me in these photos!
ReplyDeleteI love the problem solving, the perseverance, and the social skills being demonstrated. The children are also working on spatial relationships, gross and fine motor skills, and planning. Look at the shapes being created- so many wonderful learning opportunities while the children are "just playing!"
ReplyDelete