One morning some of the 4 year
olds decided they wanted to build a house like the after school group did this
summer. After some brainstorming and discussion the children decided where the
best location would be for the house. When they found the perfect spot they
told me it was the best place because there were bigger trees that could help
be the walls. Before I could even ask
them what’s next they were off running looking for building materials. They
grabbed sticks, branches, brush, logs, and even rocks. They worked together
carrying the bigger materials because they were too heavy for one person. The
communication being used was remarkable! “You pick up that side, and you hold
that branch and we’ll walk really slow so we don’t drop it.” said one little
girl. The children were so determined that they didn’t question her authority
and followed her directions.
Once the construction began they
took pieces of rocks and sticks and were “hammering” the pieces together and
also pretending to cut pieces with a “saw.” I assisted the children lifting up
the big branches to set up the initial foundation of the house. (Although this
was the children’s project I wanted to make sure the branches were safe.) After
the main foundation was nice and sturdy the children began adding the walls by
layering brush and branches from pine trees. They told me, “We must make sure
it’s all covered up so the wind doesn’t come in here.” 
In about an hour the children
were satisfied with their house and were ready to play in it. However, instead
of rushing right in they made sure it was all clean. They took branches and
began sweeping the floors and making their beds. Once the house passed the
clean inspection they were all inside admiring what they created. I could tell
they were so proud at what they built which made me feel proud too.
The next morning a little girl
was at the table coloring on a piece of paper. As soon as
she saw me walk in
the room she held it up and said, “Look Leslie! It’s a flag for our house! When
we go back in the woods I’m going to put it on as a decoration.” When we went
outside shortly after she ran straight to the house and I lifted her up to put
the flag where she though it looked best. I thought for sure the children would
go straight to the house to play but they didn’t. They said they needed to make
a path and a fence now. They found logs and set up a fence and laid big branches
by the door for a path. When they were finished adding on, they continued by
once again, sweeping out their house before they began to play.
This house has been an ongoing
project for about three weeks now. Every time the group goes outside they check
out their house to make sure no animals knocked it down. It has survived
multiple weeks allowing the children to engage in dramatic play outdoors! They
added on a fireplace to cook soup and birthday cake that only I can eat!
I think I’ll try bringing out pots and pans
for the children to cook with next to extend their outdoor kitchen. The
opportunities are endless with our outdoor house so keep an eye out for a
future blog post with what unfolds!
This house has been an ongoing
project for about three weeks now. Every time the group goes outside they check
out their house to make sure no animals knocked it down. It has survived
multiple weeks allowing the children to engage in dramatic play outdoors! They
added on a fireplace to cook soup and birthday cake that only I can eat!
