When we launch a large group project, we must consider how the children might create something all together in a way that allows them to each have voice. We use various tools to help the children work individually, in small groups, and in the larger group towards a common goal. After envisioning plans individually in sketchbooks and playing in small groups with loose parts, the children generated a long list of ideas for all the parts this boat might contain.
We made it to twenty-five! Violet
There are still more lines for more ideas. Ruby
Do we have the beds on there? Ruby
B…yes B! Does that say beds? Violet
We brought the whole group together to talk about these parts. We focused the children's efforts on the question:
How will our boat move?
Oh, engines make it able to move, so that’s one. Charlotte
Steering wheel helps. Violet
It turns the ship or makes it fo straight or backwards or circles. Like if you need to go around a giant octopus! Avery
The steering wheel can steer the ship. I know, an engine to move. Alex
Instead of an engine, sails! Callen
Jets! Oh, but that might be too fast. Callen
Mini boats could push the big boat. Eleanor
That would be too slow. Elliott
We expected the children might talk about the first item on the list, the engine. While this was true, the conversation about this part quickly gave way to a discussion about how the boat controls its movement with a steering wheel and an anchor. And so, we teachers suggested we begin with these three parts. We invited the children to sign up for small group work around any or all of these ideas.
You put it down in the ocean. Elliott
It’s like heavier than the boats. Marky
Maybe if they drop the anchor there’s a claw. You can see the anchor go down.
The anchor...
A first group of four research anchor design.
They read images and share true stories.
I saw an anchor but I haven't used it. VIOLET
My grandpa has an anchor and it looks like that one.
ELEANOR
Looking at a handmade anchor, they consider form and function.
I wonder what’s this kind. HELEN
They hook. ELEANOR
Like that and then they pull up. ALEX
They draw a design that incorporates key elements (chain, weight, and hooks) and the shape they liked best (a mushroom anchor)!
This is a chain. Eleanor
To lower it down. Violet
Another four come together to begin the construction process, creating the chain.
A chain is circles! Sophie
You bend it to make it. This is how I do it. Parker
What can I do to make this stay? Avia
I can’t get this to work! Avery, how did you do this? Avia
Staple it. Sophie
Or tape. I can help you. Avery
A connecting rod, two rocks, two hooks, and a mushroom cap!
These can be something. Alex
How do I punch this tool?
I know how to attach them to look like a rock shape. Helen
We need some for Violet too. Alex
Here Alex, now for Eleanor. Helen
And not to forget the snake head shapes on the end of each hook!
Violet made her wire circle around my snake head and now I’m taping the other side. Sophie
They share back their work with the whole group.
