Flexibility

Today was a lot of fun playing/planning but it was not what I had intended. Today was a great day on flexibility. :)

For instance, today I had planned on "wiggly worms". My book was picked out, the sensory activity was ready and all kinds of worm play planned. But there were other plans that walked into the classroom door.

After all, did you know that many bridges needed to be built so that the cars can be driven? Then the bridges needed to be taller so that the cars can go under them. Of course, the cars needed destinations so signs and trees needed to be placed. There was the issue of "monsters" so a maintenance committee came about. Much was learned through this very elaborate, unplanned activity; sharing, turn-taking, communication, problem solving, math (size, shape), community building, pre-reading (signs) and etc. The most important lesson learned was love and respect. The students were listening to each other and collaborating together. They learn to not knock down other's buildings and that both creations were important. There were nice words exchanged.

So even though worms were on the agenda (and we did work a little with them) I think the plans that walked in the door today taught the students life long lessons and in a really fun way. Of course, if I had planned on doing lessons on bridges the plan would have been changed to worms. :)