Snow blocks

A staff member started to clear the snow on the sidewalk, as this was happening the children noticed snow blocks braking off on to the sidewalk. That started some talk about Fort building. If they could build them inside, why not outside too!

The blocks were heavy, so the children used their problem solving skills, 

grabbed the sleds and started to load the snow blocks in.

We noticed a lot less complaints of cold fingers and toes, most likely the combination of the constant movement and the determination to finish the job. The great thing about this activity is that our group involved the younger children from the other classrooms to help. 

Everyone cooperated and used determination and resourcefulness to build up their Fort. Going back and forth collecting more and more snow blocks, 

and stacking them higher and higher.

The older children tried very hard to include the younger children, designating the smaller blocks for the smaller kids.

"Here's one for you" - kindergarten child 

When the preschool classes went in, our children decided they would 'finish' the snow Fort so that all the children could enjoy it the next time they came outside. 

So proud of what they made. Hard work sure pays off. 

Fort Building

The children decided to build a fort. At first it was just two children building. Once the other children noticed what was happening, others came to help out. They asked for the big orange "Fort Blanket". 

Once the "Fort Blanket" was on, the children all climbed inside to explore and see what else needed to be done.

Two children noticed that their hair would stand up when it rubbed on the blanket above them. This prompted a conversation about static electricity.

The Fort started to collapse so the children came up with creative ideas to get the Fort to stay together. It involved putting heavy objects on top of the blanket to keep it from falling. The children and teachers quickly realized heavy things may fall on the children crawling inside the Fort. The children came up with their own rules to keep it safe. 

Then it was time to relax with a good book after all our hard work.

Four of the children decide to get another blanket to add to the Fort. Instead a whole new play experience emerged. Those children put the blanket on and began walking around the classroom and continued on through the entire daycare as one big ghost. They called themselves "The Four Headed Ghost".

It took a great deal of cooperation and patience to walk as a group. Especially when figuring out how to turn around. The children made it work!