Reflections from Session 2

We just finished up Session 2 of this year’s Play/Create/Build classes and always look forward to the time to reflect with teachers, parents and ourselves. Here are some highlights of our recent conversation with teachers:

·      “Setting up a space in my classroom where we recycle and repurpose and reuse and think creatively with the materials has been really refreshing and it's what I needed. And I didn't know it. So thank you.”

·      “I think I really want to be more mindful and intentional about how I teach and how I view my students. Even as two and three-year-olds they have endless potential and imagination and creativity and I want to be able to give them more open-ended materials to promote this play that we are so passionate about - how it builds an array of skills that I can't necessarily teach them - they create it themselves.”

·      “I would really say communication, social, and problem solving has been huge (in terms of growth), and even creativity and imagination.”

·      “It's important for me to think about how materials are presented and organized.”

·      “I am motivated to see what I can do for next year in terms of a set up where kids can access materials and see them in a way that they can envision possibilities.”

The elements of space, presentation, mindfulness, and intention seem to have become a focus during this session. Teachers, while observing our class, were able to grow their knowledge beyond the physical materials themselves, noting the importance of how these materials are used and incorporated into the classroom. The other piece worth noting is a shift in reusing materials. Although many teachers and parents engage in recycling, this class helped to promote and change attitudes around reusing.  This is beneficial for both our children and our world!