Last week we continued exploring structure and function with two new building tasks. Our first task took place during ECO when we built little shelters. Before we headed out we talked about the changes that might occur in the weather before we return to the woods again in December and how we can be prepared as winter approaches. Children were each given a small cardboard kid to "dress" for the expected colder weather. When we were in the forest they were challenged to construct a mini shelter that would keep their kid warm and dry until we return.  We brainstormed materials in our forest space that could be used for building a shelter, as well as designs that would help protect the kids from the elements. We plan to check on the kids when we return to the woods after Thanksgiving to see how they fared.

At school on Friday (while it rained heavily and was a little windy- hopefully the cardboard kids are dry!) after reading a version of the Three Little Pigs, children were challenged to construct a house strong enough to withstand the Big Bad Wolf. Each child was given a piece of card stock for a base, several sticks of modeling clay to hold materials together, and craft sticks. Everyone was extremely engaged as they worked, with several students choosing to continue working through choice time as they tried to get their houses just right.  This challenge gave students another great opportunity to try and try again, and work through frustration. After lunch we tested each of the houses against the big bad wolf (your child can tell you how this worked!)