S had seen an example of a device which C had built and which could be useful for calling the three little pigs home in the story of “ The three little pigs and the big bad wolf”which the children had been reading at mat time.
S chose to build something quite different and after carefully selecting through the various photographs of things to build, he chose to build a gear pane.
S was very focused on this activity and took the time to look carefully at the pictures on the photograph to improve the gear plane after he built up the basic structure. He wanted to extend the wing span and we discussed the various parts : crank, gears, connector and towers which could be used to solve the problem. I carefully demonstrated what each part was useful for .We learned from the internet that the crank is a device consisting of a arm or handle to transmit motion or starting a motor, the gear is a saw toothed mechanical part that engages with a similar part to transmit motion rotating from one body to another. and connectors are useful for attaching parts together.The the tower could be used for making things longer or taller.S problem solved how to extend his gear plane by adding more towers. He also added gears in front of the plane and demonstrated how they move. I demonstrated how the two gears moved in opposite directions and when two gears are connected by a third gear and , the third gear will move in the direction of the first gear – something I had to think about myself!
I was impressed with S's concentration as he wanted to complete his piece in order to be able to show and tell.It gave him a sense of ownership.
Construction technology involves the design of structures , tools and material (Fleer& Jane,2011), and in his own little way ,S discovered the basics of construction technology. S discovered that by using different parts, he could change or improve his piece of construction .The technology that was involved : thinking about the process, the design and searching for a solution.
“ Children experience an environment where they learn strategies for active exploration, thinking, and reasoning (p.88) “and experience the stories of their own and other cultures” (`Ministry of Education, 1996,p78).
I liked the creativity that came out of this exploration. Fleer and Jane (2011) maintain that creativity and imagination are important aspects which help children to broaden their experiences.This was clearly demonstrated in the finished product of the children.
I know that S valued this one on one exploration with me and it gave him a sense of competence at having achieved something.
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Fleer,M., & Jane, B. (2011). Design and technology for children. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W: Pearson Australia.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: he whāriki mâatauranga mo nga mokopuna o Ăotearoa: Early Childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
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ReplyDeleteHi there Luana
ReplyDeleteWhat a great insight to construction technology. The children used their initiative to come up with ideas of how to build things with resources supplied. You being the demonstrator gave them the extra food for thought. Seems like scaffolding took place here too.
I find it very interesting how children can keep themselves involved for long periods of time with what we supply to them as resources. It just goes to show that we as teachers are very instrumental in their learning.
Cheers
Rosie
Kia Ora Luana,
ReplyDeleteIts so nice to see a blog post related to technology that isn't digital, it reminds me that technology is not just about all the gadgets that are on the market today. I loved the way you spoke about learning with the boys, this shows me that you respect them as competent and capable teachers and learners, great partnership.
It's interesting to see the creativity that also came from this experience and how the tamariki were able to solve their own problems and extend thier constructions.
Keep up the awesome work Luana, I look forward to your next post!
Carly
Well done, Luana! You’ve got another great learning experience for your children. It does give children a sense of ownership and success. I really very believe design and construction technology provides children lots of great opportunities for their problem solving, imagination, and creativity development. When we encourage children to work together toward a construction project, it will enhance more learning opportunities for them. It fosters children’s problem solving in a collaborative way, and encourages sharing creative ideas between friends, which helps children to develop their communication and expression skills. Through working together, it also fosters children’s friendship development.
ReplyDeleteNina
What a wonderful experience of construction technology provided for the children in your centre, Luana. Actually, a lot of toys or materials that are in our own centre can also provide this kind of technological experiences for our children. As ECE student teachers, we play a crucial role in planning daily routines, playing as a co-explorer with the children in order to enable them to make their own decisions in their everyday exploration, from basic learning of construction technology then moving to more complicated learning process. For example, in your reflection, (S) followed his own ideas to use different skills to build his gear pane. The skills included decision-making, information-finding, creative thinking, and problem-solving. The more the children take charge of their own learning, the more opportunities they will have to develop their strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning (Ministry of Education, 1996).
ReplyDeleteMinistry of Education, (1996).Te Whāriki, he whaariki mātaurauge mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.