IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

The frame for our airplane.

Last week, our friend Journey’s dad, Mr. Newbold, came in and saw all 85 of the boxes we had collected and our measured space. He asked if our class would be interested in having a structure built to frame our airplane and guide our building. After some class discussion (and a very enthusiastic YES from the kids) we decided to take Mr. Newbold up on his offer to help us out.  This afternoon after lunch, our class was so excited to be greeted by Mr. Newbold, Journey, and her sister, Aidia, working on our frame. (which is close to 20 feet long, and about 5 feet wide) Our frame is made out of pvc piping which has been drilled together to hold it in place. The kids were fascinated by the process of how the piping was put together and began making observational drawings of what they saw being built and what ideas they had next for our airplane. Many questions and ideas have been floating around the classroom today. “How will we put up the sides of the airplane?” “Do we have enough boxes?” “Do we have too many boxes?” “Will everyone really be able to fit inside this thing?” We may not have all the answers yet, but one thing is for sure- the kids are truely dedicated and passionate about making this airplane a reality. Next, we will talk more about how to utilize our abundance of boxes and try to construct a way to help build our fuselage (the plane’s body).

Our friends are fascinated as they watch the structure being built.

Tags: capable, inspiration, project, thinking

"Mrs. Argus, look at all these boxes!"- Hutton

If you thought we had supportive families, just wait untill you hear this- two days ago, our class sent home a letter explaining our need for some boxes for our airplane we are building. Within just two days, we have recieved over eighty-five boxes- that’s right EIGHTY FIVE!!!

This morning, the kids were so astonished at the large amount of boxes that have been coming in and we decided we needed to count and organize them. First, we had to talk about how to organize our growing number of materials. We decided by size would probably be best, so we have been making piles of small, medium, and large boxes. After the boxes were organized today, a group of friends began counting. We counted up all the way to eighty-five. We also have twenty paper towel rolls and one large can. We want to start planning on Monday and talk about how best to utilize our large number of resources. It will certainly be a day for lots of big thinking and possibilities.

Journey and Da'Sean are a huge help as they sort our boxes and paper towel rolls.

Tags: capable, creativity, inspiration, project

This entry is one of a series of entries designed to familiarize families with the core values of the Reggio approach to education.  In the Preschools and Infant-Toddler centers of Reggio Emilia and in Reggio inspired schools in the United States, educators have what is referred to as a strong “image of the child”.  A definition of “image of the child” would be capable, creative and responsible.   Continue Reading »

Tags: capable, children, creative, image of the child, preschool, Reggio, responsible, thinking

At the IPS/Butler University Laboratory School, our collective image of the child (values and beliefs about children and learning) includes a belief that children are capable, creative and curious. Our staff looks for inspiration from many sources. Sir Ken Robinson inspires us to think more deeply about the role of creativity in schools and how an emphasis on creative thinking has the potential, not only to transform school as we know it, but also the work place and by extension, our economy. Continue Reading »

Tags: capable, creative, curious, image of the child, inspiration, schools, think