“The Fire Truck Project”
Exploration, teamwork and fun is in full swing in our Full Day Kindergarten Program. Throughout the room a gentle buzz of laughter, conversation and wonder can be heard each day. We are excited to see the children participating and embracing a collaborative approach to learning. In turn, the children are demonstrating the Catholic Graduate Expectation of A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.
After carefully observing and interacting with the children in the past few weeks, we noticed an interest in firefighters, fire trucks and fire safety had emerged. This interest has been demonstrated by the children through conversation, individual art work and dramatic play.
Educators decided to extend this learning by placing a large cardboard box in the classroom one morning. As the children entered the classroom, an immediate interest began. They began to ask questions such as “What is that box for?” and “What is in the box?” So together we listened to a story written by Antoinette Portis called “Not A Box.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KXuBcdmktY) After a class survey, the children decided they wanted to use the box to create their very own “Fire Truck.”
As the children began to talk about the truck, we decided we needed a plan. We discussed colours and shapes we would need to make our fire truck, how many wheels we would need to give it, how many windows and doors, etc. We wanted to ensure we had the best fire truck for our Junior firefighters! Once the fire truck was finished, each child carefully signed their name inside of the fire truck as a promise they would take extra special care of it. After that, we began to enjoy what we created and played!
Educators further promoted literacy skills by adding books to the shelves and reading books related to fire trucks, and firefighters such as “The Fire Station,” by Robert Munsch. The children were prompted to expand their oral language and thinking when asked questions such as, “What do firefighters do for our community?”, “What colour is a fire truck?” and “What do they use to put out a fire?”
Throughout the classroom, children could be seen wearing fire hats, drawing and creating fire trucks, and putting out fires. A real firefighter was invited into our classroom to talk to the children about fire safety. Firefighter Rob shared his firefighter gear with the children, and even talked to them about making a home plan with mommy and daddy so everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.
We are so excited to see where our wonderings and interest take us next!
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Love this learning story as it capitalizes on the curiosity and interests of the children. Wondering how you see evidence of the frames of the Kindergarten Program in this inquiry?
Thank you Dolores! The evidence of the frames within this learning experience can be found within all four. We will further expand this blog by sharing our findings with those who follow.