Each child built their own block structure, and then drew it in their sketchbook. The children in my class last year were a little bit older, so the constructions were really different. Now, with late threes and early fours, its like I'm getting to learn about blocks all over again.
In particular, I'm juxtaposing the block play here to this block play last year in my mind. I regret not documenting children's constructions better over the course of last year. What if children could really see how their blocks structures change over the course of time?
You so often think of children's drawing and writing changing, but it never occured to me about block building changing. Wonderful thing to keep up with. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI used to make Block Books when I was in the classroom. I would photograph the block structures and have the kids dictate how they built that structure. It was a great way to document the development of their block building skills. Toward the end of the year, they would draw a picture of a structure and then we would brainstorm what materials they would need to build it. Great work.
ReplyDeleteAren't the differences between each construction fascinating. Some are so logically designed others look less planned, more organic. I wonder how this reflects the learning style and personality of each child. Would love to see your thoughts on each!
ReplyDeleteChristie
I think that over the course of the PreK year, children's structures change quite a bit. The 6th and 7th pictures here are example of children who hadn't played with blocks much before -- they were looking at the other children building, and then they were walking to the block shelf, choosing a block, and dropping it on the top of what became more of a pile of blocks. There is nothing wrong with that -- I think that structure has to be valued as much as something that may appear more complex, like the 4th picture.
ReplyDeleteI also think that symmetry is common in blck building with 4's and 5's -- the first 5 pictures all show symmetry.
I'm glad that you are interested in the idea of block documentation. I'm going to make a bigger effort this year for sure. The idea of drawing first and then building is really interesting too, Juliann. I can see trying that with some of the children later in the year
Love the idea of block books. This post inspires me to document my son's block building.
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