On Glue and Tape (Part 2)

In our last post, we talked about the benefits of not using glue or tape when working with materials. This doesn’t mean that using glue or tape is wrong! At times, children want and need to make something that lasts -- to experience the satisfaction of creating something, holding onto it, and taking it home. As educators, we can (and should) create opportunities for working in both ways. And of course, when children are working on creating something that lasts, glue and tape and other tools such as scissors, hole-punchers, and staplers are definitely called for. 

Here are two examples of structures and designs that used glue and/or tape:

When children can choose from a variety of materials and decide for themselves what to make…

…we see original creations and hear interesting stories. In a 4/5s class at Beginnings Nursery School, this classroom space was called The Making Table. Sometimes the children’s creations were placed on a Curating Wall (a place where children were encouraged to share what they feel is their best work). 

For this 4/5’s teaching team, “Best Work” was defined as something you worked hard on, something that took time, and something that you are proud of. Notice that below the wall there are materials that the children have access to. This can be adjusted for any age group.