At this time of year there is a change in the classroom dynamic. The younger children move from playing side by side to engaging more with each other. We mentioned this in many of our January parent conferences.
In the Rivers Classroom, there are activities that happen as a whole group, in small groups with teacher direction, individual activities, or in small independent groups of between two and four children.
It is in these small independent groupings that we are seeing friendships and working partnerships develop. Often the groups are chosen by the children with a common interest or a desire to explore the materials further. Other times the teachers call specific children to an area to give time and space for friendships to grow. Our break area holds a story telling basket that is a favorite place for many in the class. Only two children are allowed to play in the semi-enclosed space and this offers the opportunity for conversation and play.
The groups change throughout the morning as children are called to teacher activities or choose to go to a different area to play. We recently introduced a set of vehicles to the room and added cargo for the trucks. This provocation has brought new discussions, questions, creativity and ideas to our classroom.
In the blocks area, the children are beginning to notice each other's structures, asking, "How did you build that?" After building, there are several children who want to add wooden people to inhabit their structures, to tell stories, and bring their imaginary world to life. This week we will begin building with a partner in blocks, an opportunity for even greater communication and collaboration.
When you are planning a playdate at home, it is a good idea to set out one or two activities or games for the children to play with together. When given many choices we find the children are more likely to play separately or dash from one toy to another.
With whom does your child enjoying playing?
