I am convinced that one of the most fulfilling and stimulating experiences for young children is when they work together as a group on a "real life" project. Remember that snow cave we had? Well, as the snow turned to ice, it became less safe, especially for the toddlers. So, today we decided that it needed to come down. What better way to dismantle it than to arm a bunch of preschoolers with garden tools, and ask them to help chop it down, so we can keep everyone safe?
They LOVED the duty of the job, they talked and talked about strategies, about all the different things they could pretend to be chopping down, about taking turns with the favorite tools. There was so much happening in that one experience that as a teacher, I felt like the day was complete. Thirteen preschoolers, busy as can be, happily helping each other for the common good.
Learning to enjoy working together and being a part of a community, the whole reason for preschool!
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