Within a child-centered, emergent curriculum, it is very important for children to learn the skills and techniques they will need to support student-driven inquiry. In the studio and classrooms at Sabot, this is done by providing provocations that are engaging and allow students to practice new skills. Creating this jangling sculpture was a good way to learn to twist wire.(The sculpture is much bigger, but hard to photograph!)
I've been thinking a lot about this the past few days, Anna. I have to keep reminding myself to allow the kids time to master (or at least become competent) with new tools and techniques before they can really use them to create their visions. This week it's been all about zip ties -- it's taken 3 full days of "wasting" them to get to a point where some of the kids are masterful enough to really build things. Now they're teaching their friends. =)
ReplyDeleteIs that a green jingle bell?! I <3 bells.
ReplyDeleteYes, time is your ally, all the time.
ReplyDeleteA very important post. The sculpture isn't necessary to show, it's those persisting fingers that are illuminating.
thanks, guys
ReplyDelete