ECLC Architects: Building Cooperation and Creativity

In this lesson, students use different materials to construct their own building, exploring concepts like stability and design. Mrs. Barone explains, "We want to teach them what the foundations of a building are, and that if it's top-heavy, it collapses. They're learning about weight, balance, and height, and overall how to create buildings." The emphasis on architecture is part of the creative curriculum, a program that teaches lessons based on the interests of the children. In this case, the curriculum encourages students to explore the buildings in their community, such as homes, office buildings, and schools, creating an appreciation for the structures that make up their environment.

As the students work together, they learn skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. Mrs. Barone observes, "Some of them smash the materials or don't know how to handle them, and they learn which items require more care, like a house of cards versus blocks." Through the process of trial and error, the students also develop resilience. "If it collapses," Mrs. Barone says, "they just try again and don't give up. If it doesn't work the first time, they go back and rebuild."

This pre-kindergarten activity serves as a foundation for lifelong skills, nurturing a sense of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. As the students grow and continue their educational journey, the lessons learned in the classroom will help them build communications skills, improve interpersonal play, and show them new perspectives of the world around them.