This past week in kindergarten, we have been studying the characteristics of fairytales. Through out studies, we have learned how to identify the key characteristics of the story. In order to master this skill, we analyzed a variety of different fairytales. However, there was one fairytale that stood out as a favorite: The Three Little Pigs.
Throughout the years, several renditions of this story have been told, but the plot has remained the same. Those silly little pigs still always need a strong house to keep the wolf away.
In our studies, we learned that fairytales have problems and solutions. We identified the main problem of this timeless tale, and decided to engineer our own solution.
The scholars were presented with the challenge of designing and building a house for the three little pigs that withstands the wolf's huffs and puffs.
Each day, we read a different version of the story and compared it to the original tale. After reading, we began by studying the various features of houses. Scholars drew their own houses and labeled each important feature.
After drawing our houses, we analyzed the characteristics of the materials of which we could choose. Scholars were able to pick three of the following materials: straws, popsicle sticks, manilla folder strips, cardboard strips, and pipe cleaners. Each scholar was paired with a friend of his/her choice. Scholars took a picture of the desired materials and uploaded the pictures with a voice memo to seesaw explaining their choice.
Once each group chose their materials, scholars went straight to building. There were allotted a limited amount of tape and a small cardboard base. I was so impressed with each scholar's focus and dedication to the task. I was thrilled to hear the various forms of collaboration taking place throughout the classroom.
When each group finished their house, I placed three cotton balls in the house to serve as the three little pigs. Once the pigs were in place, the Big Bad Wolf entered the scene. Some would say the Wolf resembled a black hair dryer with googley eyes taped to the front. We tested each house from three different distances, 12 in, 24 in, and 36 in.
Each scholar was given a recording sheet. On their sheet, they sketched their observations, marked each test as a success or failure, and listed their ideas for improvement.
I was so pleased with the successful house. Even the houses that did not succeed were great. I was taken aback with the growth mindset of each group. If their house failed, I often heard, "it's ok, we can make improvements this way..."
The following day, the scholars made their final improvements on their houses before we created a kindergarten neighborhood outside. Each class had its own street. The houses on McKellar Way did their best to stand strong against the scariest Wolf of all, the giant leaf blower. Several houses did withstand the mighty huffs and buffs of the grand finale.
Following our final test, we reflected on our work through a recap videos. Scholars recorded themselves answering if their house was successful and why/why not and their favorite parts. The scholars did a marvelous job of reflecting on their work and sharing it with the world around them.
It was a wonderful week in kindergarten!