A New Lead Begins!

Exploring the role of Aboriginal hunter

This lead began just a few days ago, while the children were playing with the “Crazy Fort” construction toy. We set the materials out with the intent of capitalizing on the children’s interest in building a helicopter (furthering our Weather and News play lead), however the helicopter lasted 20 minutes!!! (Slightly deflated – we had been excited to see this take off) Instead, the children began constructing bow and arrows and hunting small animals around the classroom. This type of play could have been discouraged, but we decided to let it go and instead build on their understanding and further their knowledge of how to use bow and arrows safely, as well as who would use bows and arrows and why they use them. This has begun an exciting adventure into Aboriginal people and their way of life. We have put out various stories and informational texts, instruments, building materials such as stones, sticks, fabric, feathers and the “Crazy Forts”. We are watching the children build their very own teepees and other shelters. We can’t wait to see where this interest takes us.
With Christmas approaching, we read the story of the “Huron Carol” and watched different renditions on our Smartboard. We have our multicultural day coming up at our school, so this has created conversation about what cultures the children in our class come from.

We will continue to blog and share as this experience unfolds and we hope you will share all the exciting fun and learning happening in your classrooms!!!