Play plans

Early in the year we encouraged the children to save memories of their daily play.  These memories were to be drawn on index cards. They would serve as markers for their play.  We envisioned this practice becoming a routine: at the end of the day each child would create one to guide their play the following day.  It would return them to their work and to each other.  It would become a tool.  These memories were to be stored in a pocket in the back of their sketchbooks.

 

This tool, while embraced in the moment, has not been readily utilized by the children until recently…

The flurry of writing and drawing, coupled with the confidence of their connections to each other, has inspired us to reintroduce this tool.  We have again invited the children to create memories or play plans for their day.

read in the library
continue gymnastic story
play in blocks
sewing
return to drawing Reggie
continue a mermaid story in paint
Installation the loops
painting
paint, blocks
make belt
paint
blocks

This tool now seems to be serving a purpose.  There is a new understanding.  It is meaningful.

We notice…

          a growing understanding of how letters and pictures communicate;

          inventive spelling, letter-sound connections;

          a growing control of the pen and its power;

          exploration of capturing the human form in different positions;  

          use of lowercase and uppercase letters;

          greater detail;

          extended time spent on task;

          exploring foreground and background;

          growing control of pen to create shape and line;

          drawing from different perspectives (bird’s eye view, side view).