[Note- Here are the notes I took that day, edited for clarity]
Notes – Day 2 Session 2
Ditch the worksheets and grab a hammer! Woodworking with preschoolers: Addressing standards through integrated, engaging project work
Teaching & Instructional Practices
1 1/2-hour session — limit 4 presenters
Preschoolers
11/16/2017 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Room B402
Georgia World Congress Center
Emily Taylor Bounajma, Preschool Teacher, University of South Florida
Does that title say woodworking? Yes it does! With the project approach “students and teachers have the freedom to investigate many different topics, not simply those offered through a traditional curriculum” (Burns & Lewis, 2016). Projects are long term investigations in which students and teachers engage in a three phase inquiry together. (Katz, 2014). Projects allow curriculum to be integrated in ways that are meaningful to children. Integrated learning experiences occur when children “engage in learning activities that draw on goals from one or more subject-matter disciplines” (Bredekamp & Rosengrant, 1995, p. 168). The woodworking project addressed learning standards in the content areas of social studies, physical development, mathematics, science and technology, social emotional development, literacy and the arts. The children lead the way as focused young investigators moved through three phases of inquiry in a remarkable way. In this session participants will not only hear the story of the woodworking project but engage in professional discussion and planning for projects in their own classroom.
content areas
standards
project approach
discuss previous experiences
brought in a tool box
common experience – all kids at once
goggles
1) dip hammer in paint
eye protection
– keep their eyes open
2) building on knowledge
looking at books for projects (same book)
talking about what they are seeing (as a college student would)
create blueprint
wood donated from Lowes
3) discuss work with peers and parents
drew favorite memories
draft design – engineer own ideas
1- discussion
2- representation
3- field work
4- investigation
5- display
drawing tools
hardware – counted out
screwdriver rhythm
properties of materials
hammer – painting, play dough
painting mask – to see that little comes through the mask
levels
4oz hammer
hammer – egg carton and wood
screwdrivers – screws into soap
used older age books but had pictures
using books to create action
draw what they wanted, for vote
social emotional – balances the needs of self and others
collaboration on projects
nails – needle nose pliers clothespins
build planting boxes
tie dye
Resources by Kate
Engaging Children’s Mind Book by Lilian Katz
At the end of the session I was talking with a fellow from San Francisco- he mentioned what they do at their school:
They cut up pegboard into small 2 hole pieces
Then let the children nail them together with short nails into pine blocks. They are allowed to build whatever they want! Neat!