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Cooperative Play in our Threes Class

The power of play comes in many forms. Lately there's been much cooperative play happening in our Threes Class. Seemingly overnight, many of the children have transitioned from individual play to group play.

We can suddenly see how far they have come in regard to sharing, taking turns, using their words and expressing themselves creatively. The children are learning to reason and strategize, and to predict outcomes. All of that intellectual learning is facilitated through play.

 Kyler and Marcus diligently line up the long wooden ramps.

Marcus discovers that by lifting up one end, the ball begins to roll.

 Sophie and Georgia play with Mr. Potatoe Head together, discussing what body parts Mr. Potatoe Head needs.

While looking at the “life cycle” of frogs along with Georgia,
Sophie says “This one is the father, this one the mother, no, no...
 this one is the mother, this one the sister and this one the baby sister.”

Ella and Claire together, retelling the story of The Hungry Caterpillar.

 Our three year old preschoolers are now able to line up and wait their turn with
 little fear of someone cutting in front of them. They are comforted
 knowing their turn is coming.


 Sophia and Samuel start by playing side by side....


After a short while Sophia takes notice of how Samuel is stacking the tubes....

They start working together cooperatively, stacking tubes, realizing they can't stack a thinner tube on top of a wider one. “Where did it go?” Sophia asks Samuel. “It's gone down,” Samuel responds.

 When the tubes fall over, Samuel says with a smile
“Oh no! We have to build it up again.”
And that they did, many times over!

Through play, learning is different for every child. Every child is learning at their own pace, in their own style and guided by their own interests.

 Zoe is very patiently putting the felt shapes in place,
 not stopping until all the pieces are on the felt board.

 She is very comical calling a star a spider, while holding her hands
 to her face and pretending to be scared!

Our preschool is full of compassion. Kobe comforts Charlotte while they listen to a story.
 
  Clair says to Charlotte, “I love Pepa Pig so much. You'll love Pepa Pig too.”

Ella spent a long time rolling little balls of playdough.

 “I made birthday cookies,” she said.

Each ball in turn was taken off the plate, counted and then properly squashed.

 “They have to be flat cookies.”

Jack and Sophie are busy making cupcakes and a “birthday” cake which they generously share with their teacher and peers.



 Sophie excitedly says “We can have a big party with this big cake.”

The children on a whole are much more at ease in the classroom, and are revealing their individual personalities. It's such a pleasure to spend time with them and witness their growth and learning.

The motivation to learn is powered by play. Cause and effect happens continually through play, and each time children experience a new cause and effect situation, a new lesson is learned.

~Barbi


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