During some exploration time in the gym, the students were divided into two teams. They were given 15 minutes to apply their critical thinking skills in order to communicate and cooperatively work together to develop ‘something.’ The students were thrilled and hit the ground running with ideas.
Planning, building, re-building (after the first attempt was not always as successful as envisioned), trying again, working together, navigating different ideas and compromises quickly evolved right before my eyes. It was fascinating to observe these curious, creative and enthusiastic thinkers. I stressed to the students that I wanted them to explore + play and to use their communication skills to share, and build upon one another’s creative ideas. Compromise can sometimes be a tricky thing for our young learners to handle, but this group quickly navigated this new territory and effectively worked together.
This open ended activity fits perfectly in line with our thinking core competency, “I can get ideas when I play. I get ideas when I use my senses to explore. My play ideas are fun for me and make me happy. I make my ideas work or I change what I am doing.” 
When we are playing, are we still learning? What do you think?
Answers from the students of Division 7:
- we can learn how to build stuff
- if we are playing, we are still using our eyes which helps our eyes grow
- when you build with Lego it is like you are on a construction site and being a real life construction worker
- your brain is still working
- your brain gets bigger and stronger when you are playing
- you play and work with others
- you learn to be a good friend
- you are a communicator
