23rd February 2017

AIM
To rebuild the dome that would demonstrate a better example of stability and structure. Begin a ‘cube’ project using a team approach and offer an individual expression.

I had been rereading the children’s journals from the Actually There Session. So many of the children referred to the dome. Clearly they enjoyed constructing it as well as creating something that everyone could get inside of together. Though they did mention that our dome wasn’t very stable. I also sensed that Ms. Harriott too was a little underwhelmed at the lack of stability of the dome. Hence I decided to reattempt our dome using a hanging basket plant liner as a support tool. This I had sent in the post in advance of this session along with some other essential items for the second part of the session.

I had planned the construction of the dome to demonstrate a simpler construction process. I had also edited the amount of chairs we would need. Our list of tools and equipment included.

– 12 2 metre insulation piping
– six chairs
– Velcro straps
– Green dome
– The rest of the insulation piping.

Once again Ms. Harriott had to rearrange the furniture in the classroom. The children placed the six chairs in a circle with the backs of the chairs facing each other. 2 lengths of piping were attached to each chair. The green dome was placed in the centre of the circle of chairs. There were twelve holes cut in the green cardboard dome that the other end of each length of piping was pushed into each hole. We needed a little readjustment of the circle of chairs to raise the cardboard dome. Once in place the children used the rest of the piping to weave through the vertical piping as I had shown in the drawing. It worked and I was so relieved.

For the second part of this session we started a two-part project. I was also very conscious that Ms. Harriott was often quiet exhausted after our session primarily because of all of the dragging about of the furniture. Hence I decided that I would plan a couple of sessions where the class would stay stationary.

The package I had sent earlier in the week also included over 70 green garden sticks, green tape, overhead markers and 30 sheets of acetate. In small groups of 4 the children constructed cubes using the garden sticks. I had done a series of drawings showing the different stages of the construction. Each session has offered me with a wonderful opportunity to illustrate the construction process. I had forgotten how much I enjoy drawing and painting with watercolour. The drawing process enables me to figure out the different stages as if I was actually building something in 3D.

During this session I could see that the children needed quite a lot of assistance from Ms. Harriott. The children seemed to enjoy what they were constructing. Throughout the session the children came up to the camera to show me what they were doing. They were very focused and were eager to finish their cubes. Ms. Harriott would have to complete the cubes during the following week with the children. I am looking forward to seeing the photographs that Ms. Harriott will put up on the journal.