City Study, Part 1: Provocation

Remember two weeks ago when we wrote all about the provocations that the teachers were supplying to create interest in our city study?

Remember how we wondered what might catch the children's interest?

Then last Tuesday happened.

The provocation of all provocations! And far better than any teacher could provide... 

The very ground beneath our feet opened up, spewing forth water and swallowing a car whole. 

Having the day off school was just the beginning of the excitement...

Just as that water main exploded, so has our wondering and interest in what goes on beneath the city!

Here's what's been happening since:

We have been drawing what happened...

We have watched repairs...

"Woooooah!"

"The cars will be so surprised when the street is so smoooooth!"

We have been observing what we see below the street ...

"How deep does it go?"

"Look! There is dirt there underneath!"

"Where did the water go?" 

We have found books to learn even more about what goes on down there ...

We have turned the drama area into a construction site...

This blog writer has never seen four- and five-year-olds talk less than when you give them all hammers. Quiet mouths, loud hands!

We have looked at our foundation and worried if it was affected...

Was that there before? - Alex

"We need to redo the foundation" - Elijah

"We're going to fall in the hole!?" - Camila

We have been pretending to be rescuing each other from inside water pipes and deep holes ...

"Hold still! I'll reach you with my foot crane!" - Penny

Meanwhile, thinking together about our first city walk is wrapping up and our blocks reflection of this has gone beautifully. Children have been using block figures to conduct business in the library, parking garage, gazebo, house, playground, and construction sight that have been erected.

"This is the Library we saw on our walk"  - Sydney
"Look at all the books on the shelves. We used the small blocks!" - Harper

We will unbuild on Thursday and Friday, clearing the way for a second draft of a block city incorporating more of what we have learned...

I wonder how it will be different?

I wonder what other projects the children will come up with?

I wonder how "deep" we will go?

(See what I did there?)

Stay tuned.