Can I do a puzzle?

On Tuesday there was a table covered with puzzles that captured the interest of many of the children.  Although we did not have them set out this morning, one of the children asked if she could do a puzzle.  "Yes!"  She chose a puzzle and got right to work.  Soon another child and another came over to look for an interesting puzzle.  Eventually we had five children working at the table.  They fit in the dogs, vehicles, farm animals, and things one can ride.  Some puzzle pieces had tiny handles on them and some did not.  Either way, fine motor coordination was required to hold the piece and to orient it such that it fit into the puzzle spot.

"We're the teachers"

We came in from out door play, Drew, Jake, and Rylan looked at the schedule board (behind them) decided to manipulate the "time" visuals, and announced "they" were going to be the "teachers" They began singing "shalom chaverim." Soon friends, Dylan and Lily K., joined in to lead us in song. When we acknowledge children's choices and actions, we provide them with much opportunity to grow in confidence and comfort to explore and take risks in safe environment like school.

I have an announcement!

Lauri called the children to attention for Mia's announcement.  "OK.  Everyone.  It's my mom's birthday tomorrow.  You can make a page for the birthday book I am making.  I have everything set up over on the table."  Aden and a few others quickly headed to the table to contribute to the project.  Observing the scene, I found two elements interesting.  First, after only a month of school, that the children are so grounded in the class tradition of making a birthday book that Mia would think to extend the concept to apply to a book for a family member.  Second, that the children feel comfortable and see themselves as fully competent in initiating and leading a group project for their classmates.  From idea to product, even our four year olds are fully capable of real and meaningful work.