Sometimes the best activities are the ones that are not planned. During free play one day, all of the tables were being used for various activities. One child wanted a space to color, so I taped a big piece of paper to the floor and invited all of the children to add to it. I thought they would make their own individual contributions in separate areas. Instead, they started collaborating to make one big scene. The conversations that took place while this was happening were incredible. I wish I had recorded them. They had to plan their drawing and choose how to implement it. They had to communicate their ideas and compromise as necessary. Some narrated as they worked. (“Look, I’m going around and around like this to make a whirlpool.”)

During circle time, I invited each child to come up and talk about the part they added. It was a great opportunity to practice communication skills.

The finished product was an ocean scene complete with an underwater volcano, sea grass, boats, fish, and a surface fire.  This turned into such an enriching group experience.  This was not anywhere in my lesson plan for this week, but I will definitely be adding it to future ones!