A Project in Community Life in the Kindergarten

Abstract

A project of great interest to the children of the kindergarten of the University Elementary School was one developed during the winter which they called "Our City." During the autumn quarter the children had engaged in housekeeping plays and had built and equipped a grocery and a toy store. As a result they had acquired a background of interesting experiences connected with home and community life. The project suggested by children.-One morning early in January, the teacher had all of the building blocks within easy access and said to the children, "What would you like to build with the blocks today?" One child answered immediately, "Let's build a town." Although the teacher had intended at some time to lead the children to such a project, she had not expected to introduce it so soon. As the psychological moment seemed to have arrived, however, the children were encouraged to begin at once. Preliminary discussion and free experimentation.-There was first a discussion as to what buildings a town should include, and a list of those suggested was written upon the blackboard. This list was later printed upon a chart. The following buildings were mentioned the first day: (i) station, (2) state bank, (3) "Congress Hotel, " (4) church, (5) grocery store, (6) toy-store, (7) houses, and (8) garage. Each child began to work upon the building of his choice, selecting his own place in the room for its construction. He also chose the blocks he thought were best suited to the requirements of his particular building. Organization follows free experimentation.-The next day the children were eager to work upon their buildings. One little girl said, "I am going to build my church across the street from Barbara's house." Another child said, "I am going to move my garage