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Week 3, Warm and bright yellow. Wind down. | Being & Belonging
2012-12-08

Week 3, Warm and bright yellow. Wind down.

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I’ve found the beginning and end of a workshop need different types of materials or activities that allow the kids and parents to arrive and leave in their own time. Sometimes I set out story books or my own felt shapes on boards for the kids and parents to arrive to. They are set out in the story corner of the space with a circle of cushions. The kids can arrive and get involved in a seated activity before the story starts and it gives parents time to arrive, the kids feel secure being in a warm place altogether and are encouraged to relax and feel at home. When using the felt shapes I often cut out shapes that will relate to the story as an introduction to the story.

Boxes of sand have worked well as a closing activity. Kids love sand and become quickly absorbed with the sensation of the sand on their hands. They are learning so much about texture, volume, weight and construction. At the end of a workshop it gives the parents time to chat and to reflect. The only difficulty can be when it’s time to go. When kids are reluctant to leave the sand and the parents want to leave I ask them to help me put the lids on and tidy the boxes away. They are usually OK to leave it once they have this important task to do.