I miss my kids already.... Wonder how's all of them doing. Recently gave them blocks to build their home. Love to see them concentrating, hard at work and having fun while learning too. Its not just building and playing of blocks. They learn to be creative in their design, they think about where and how they should place the blocks so it won't topple over. They learnt that building it too high will cause the home to fall easily. They learnt to be careful and precise at placing their blocks. They learn to hold and release the blocks in a certain way with certain amount of strength so they won't crash the home instead. They learn to balance the building so it stands. They learn about the colour, shape and sizes. They learn how to negotiate for the pieces of blocks they want from their friend. They learn to ask for help in building their home. And ultimately, they have fun while learning so many things unnoticingly. Its does not have to be drilled and route learning at all. Also, through this activity, their self confidence is being built up. They know that they can do it, they know that they can succeed at something wonderful.

Adults play an important part in this too. We have to show our interest in their work, to acknowledge their product and hardwork. Its lets the children know that they are being recognized, that their hardwork is appreciated and liked. No matter how big or small their home is, they HAVE put in lots of time, effort, hardwork and all the above mentioned. It may seem easy to us, but to the children, it is not. Whenever children approach us for help, we have to give them a response and not just brush them off. We want them to know that its ok to ask for help, its ok to don't know something and its ok to trust adults.

"And last of all, we learn to work together as a team to clean up!"

Actually, wouldn't it be great to be able to leave the creations there on display for parents or whoever to view. They kids will feel superb about it ok. Like "Wow! See! THAT is MINE." Its gonne be such a great sense of achievement for them. At the same time, they can learn to appreciate other friend's works too. BUT.... Too bad such a sad case... At my class, toys are toys, play finish must keep, cannot leave it 'lying around'... As what someone will say....

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