A Pirate Adventure!

..,.

We begin with a plan and educators provide a large box. The children quickly decide as a group what their boat will need first. Little Mr. C raises his hand and says, “Windows!” So the educator responds, “You’re right! A boat should have windows…but how many and what shape?” Little Mr. C says, “4 square ones.” Then little Mr. M shares, “The boat needs a door so we can get in.” So the educator curiously asks,”What shape of door would you like?” Several children call out, “Rectangle!”

Little Miss J then raises her hand and says, “Can we make a pirate flag?” And the educator responds by saying, “Of course! Those who are interested in helping make our flag, can join me at the Creative Table during playtime and we can design and make one together.”

(Looks like a pirate flag to me…kinda resembles “Wilson” the volleyball from the movie Castaway 😊)

The next day, the children seem very eager to explore the boat they have created so far. But the educators pose a problem (the role of the de-facilitator) and ask, “I’m not sure I’m ready to get into this boat, how will we move and stop?” Little Mr. J responds by saying, “We could make an anchor.” The educator inquires, “Well, what would an anchor do?” Little Mr. J says, “It stops the boat!”

As the children go off and play, our boat researchers use the computer in our classroom to take a closer look at some images and information about boats and pirate ships. They decided we also need a ladder to climb aboard just in case we have to “walk the plank.”

Our “Pirate Ship” is almost ready….but we still need water to sail on. A group of children talk to one another about what the ocean looks like, what plants and animals we might find in the water. A perfect representation of how when educators focus on intellectual skills, we naturally drive academic skills. (Lillian Katz)