In Reception over the past week, children have been extending their own learning by representing buildings in their play. Children have used all sorts of building material from magnetic tiles to wooden blocks, to marble runs and even string.
The structures have varied in height, length and width, with different levels and elements. There were hotels and swimming pools, car parks and houses! As children have been building these structures, they have been collaborating with each other and sharing not only their ideas, but personal experiences from their trips in Chinese New Year. We even had Singapore Zoo! As each brick and tile was laid, children had firsthand experiences of shape, spatial awareness as well as gravity, force, and balance.
The children in Reception extended their learning further by writing very important notices such as ‘Do not tidy!’ and ‘Do not touch!’ applying their phonics in a meaningful context. This meant the children could also revisit their learning throughout the week, making moderations and extending their builds. As the week progressed, Reception children identified that many buildings have a ‘name’ or ‘label’ like hotels such as The Intercontinental. Children then set to work to label their own creations applying their phonics in a new way. The models on display were labelled ‘The butterfly hotel!’, ‘The paw patrol boat’, and other things such as ‘It is a swimming pool. Splash Splash Splash’
Who knew building blocks could inspire so much learning? The children in Reception did!
By Carys Obayoriade
Reception Whales Class Teacher
