Communicating through Construction

In her article, "Children Are 'Speaking' to Us through Their Construction Work: Are We 'Listening?" in our Beginnings Professional Development Workshop unit 'Construction,' Nancy Rosenow shares this story about the importance of learning to 'listen' through observing children's construction:

"[Sally] told of taking her young son ‘Chad’ (who has been diagnosed with autism and verbal-language delays), and his two typically developing siblings, to a nature-based public outdoor space.  There, Chad discovered a large construction area where children could build with tree branches, tree cookies, and other natural items.  Chad quickly became engaged in constructing a large rectangular structure.  He used planks balanced on tree stumps to create places to sit, and he rolled four tree cookies up along the sides to look like wheels.  Chad’s siblings watched in amazement as their brother climbed into the structure and began to ‘drive’ (using another tree cookie as a steering wheel).  'Mom,' they shouted, 'Chad made a car.  Look at Chad’s car!'

"Sally talked with tears in her eyes about how amazing it was for Chad’s brother and sister to see him in a whole new light, as a capable person with something important to ‘say.’  Sally [related] how that experience made her realize she must keep providing Chad with a way to ‘talk’ to his family through visual-spatial materials."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site