SO...I decided to challenge them.
I told them that they were going to have some challenges to complete that they had to do TOGETHER. Completely together with sharing ideas and explaining things. I got em' all pumped up about it. :0)
This was the first set of challenges:
all of these challenges used their wooden blocks:
1~ build a structure using 10-15 blocks that is at least 12 inches tall (I gave them a tape measure)
...if there is any arguing or unkind words, I would knock down the structure for them to start over... (it didn't happen though)
2~build a structure using no more than 15 blocks that is at least 18 inches tall. This time they had to take turns, one after the other, one by one
3~build a structure using no more than 10 blocks that is at least 18 inches tall. They had to take turns and talk/ask/explain before each block they put on. This was great because it helped them understand each other. (I sat nearby for this one to help). For example, Caleb wanted to put a long block upright....Georgia didn't like it BUT Caleb said "Georgia, turning it this way makes it a lot taller". She then understood better and was ok with it. :0)
They did GREAT!
The next challenge though...they are still working on...it's not nearly as easy nor going as well.
~Draw a PICTURE that has at least 6 different shapes and 15 different colors. They have to be part of a picture though...not just shapes drawn. The picture has to tell me who (characters) and when/where (setting).
Oh my oh my...the arguing and tears came full force. I made them talk for at least 3 minutes, nobody was allowed to pick up a crayon yet. They had to talk about what they wanted in the picture. That went pretty well. But once they started drawing, Caleb wanted to take control. "NO, I don't want any people in it. We always draw people". "No, the stem of the flower has to be green." "(scratch out)...birds doN'T have beaks like that"....
Ugh.
tears
tears
tears
fits.
I stopped them every now and then to talk about compromise.
I stopped them again to discuss that the picture is NOT Caleb's picture. It is supposed to be made by both of them, including their ideas and wants.
After the 3rd (and longest) discussion, it seemed to finally work. They are currently drawing nicely and talking to each other. :0)
I think this is going to be a part of our daily activities.... "challenge time".
What about your kiddos? Is the summer bringing new challenges and opportunities?
:0)
