Lesson Plan
Activity Plan: Building Ideas
Try this activity to see how a few twigs, some cellophane, and fabric scraps can take children's block constructions to new heights!
Grades
PreK–K
Objectives
Students will:
- Develop creative-thinking and socialization skills
- Work together to explore how different types of materials can be incorporated into block building
Materials
- Varying sizes of fabric scraps
- Varying sizes of fabric scraps
- Small twigs or branches
- Rocks and shells
- Yarn or string
- Animal and human figures, sheets of foil, cellophane paper, and wallpaper samples
- Child safety scissors
- Tape
- Camera
Lesson Directions
Step 1: Invite children to work in small groups in the block building area to explore how different materials can be incorporated into their constructions. Explain that each group will have different materials to use. They will work together to share and develop their ideas. Vary the materials between the groups.
Step 2: Encourage children to spend time exploring the materials, discussing how they can be used and planning their constructions together Provide adequate time for planning and construction. Offer assistance if needed.
Step 3: Photograph each group to document the project. Take photographs during the planning and the building, photographing each group with their completed construction.
Step 4: Invite the class to see each group's finished construction. Encourage children to talk about their constructions. Ask them to describe how they developed their ideas. Did they have to change their ideas as they were building? Did they encounter any difficulties while they were building? Invite their classmates to ask questions.
Step 5: Place a photograph of the completed construction in a pocket chart for the children to look at during group time. Engage them in a discussion about their buildings. Record their observations about similarities and differences on chart paper. Place the materials in the block area so that the children can continue their construction explorations.
Lesson Extensions
Writing About Our Work
Provide each group with the photographs, paper, glue, and writing materials to make a book, documenting the stages of their construction. Ask them to glue a photograph onto a sheet of paper in sequential order leaving enough space to record information about each picture. Assist them in writing about their project. Ask each group to present their book to the class. Place the books in the block building area along with other books about buildings, environments, and transportation.
Related Reading
- Henry Builds a Cabin by D.B. Johnson
- The Story of the White House by Kate Waters
- Tonka, Building the Skyscraper by Justine Korman