Sunshine, Entrepreneurship, and Engineering Unite in the Yard

by Jane Clarke, Head of Lower School

As the weather has suddenly begun to shift, spending more time outside has reignited such an essential part of our unique program for me. While observing a group of VIs in the Block Yard earlier this week, I was completely transported into the world of childhood that we hold so preciously in our hands as educators of young children. 

Our VIs (first graders) are becoming readers and writers, their math skills are sharpening, and they have become empowered and connected as a group. As this group played in the Yard, I picked up on a buzz trickling through their play. As I watched carefully, I began to understand better the world they had created: they had designed a “massage and make-up” store, built very carefully out of blocks; over on the other side of the Yard, they had also built a place to lounge in after the service. The design of the long lounge chair was strategically placed so the sun was not in their eyes. 

The teacher observed this placement and design choice and inquired. “We can’t have the sun in people’s eyes. The sun is not good for your eyes,” responded the eager builder. 

As I observed more closely, I realized that the children had gathered twigs and were charging five twigs for a 15-minute massage! I later discovered that the service had become so popular that someone had upped the price to 10 twigs!

To a casual observer, the children seemed engaged and happy; to me, the group was connected and seriously productive. Their play (the work of children) was serious and fluid and mirrored something of the world they had experienced, observed, and wondered about; the materials had allowed them to create that world in a way that made sense to them. The children’s connection was profound; they trusted each other, listened to each other, and imagined together. 

The other reflection for me was how the group formed itself through working together. Some children took more of a lead in the play, while others darted in and out of the scenario. Everyone had found their place; they were all happy, fulfilled, engaged, and immersed in this world they had imagined and created. Our program allows them to find this precious and powerful place each and every day! 

To highlight some of the skills happening in this play scenario: FLEXIBILITY, LANGUAGE, ENGINEERING (The building construction and design), MATH (Let’s find a currency, twigs will work! How much did you say it cost? Let’s try doubling up the price based on demand), CREATIVITY, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING, GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT (those materials are heavy!)