Building Bridges
How a simple straw craft turned into a teachable moment
Answering a Question With a Question
By nature, children ask a lot of questions on a daily basis. These questions help define the world around them and how they fit in.
Questions feed curiosities.
Questions clarify and reveal.
Questions allow thinking, reflection, and thus, growth.
As educators & caretakers, we are asked a lot of questions. A LOT. We know we have a unique opportunity to provide answers but to tread lightly. Most recently, we were asked about the history of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When tasked with such a hearty subject as either a parent or educator, we must remember that we lay the seeds in the educational foundation. Children look to adults as the utmost authority on the answers they seek. Therefore, it's important to provide them with a trusted space for conversation. Returning their question with a question shows them you are engaged and interested in what they have to say.
Begin With The Basics
Learning about history doesn’t have to be heavy. It can actually be fun! When we grace our children with the stories of our past, we are fostering the growth of future leaders.
This article from the website education.com lists some interactive ways to discuss & learn about history.
Begin by applying everyday situations that children can relate to, that relate to the topic in question. For example, when it comes to discussing the historical impacts of Dr. King, you could start with the basics like bullying, fairness, kindness and differences.
Another technique that works well for this age group is teaching children by utilizing arts and crafts. This helps bridge the gap between learning and fun. Since Dr. King was about building bridges — Bridges of trust and understanding, Bridges of mutual respect and goodwill, And bridges of hope and opportunity — we decided to turn our straw bridge craft into a teachable moment. This would prove to be a unique way to address their questions without getting too heavy.
S.T.E.M. Meets History Meets Art Class
Children were given a stack of straws and tape to build a bridge that could hold a small object. No instructions on how to do it. No limit on the number of tries. The goal: Work as a team to build a bridge.
Each child had their own idea on how to build the bridge. Even started off a little rocky on which way to go. Eventually they found a way to work together and that’s when the magic began.
Some bridges were free standing, others were connected to two different objects. Other groups had strong bridges that held heavier objects than others. In the end no one bridge was the same design but they all reached the same goal.
The Teachable Moment
As they set out to build their bridge they discovered they worked better as a team than on their own. They shared ideas of what worked and what didn’t. They discussed how to make it stronger and they listened to each other’s ideas. Building a bridge of trust and understanding.
Each child found their role in creating the bridge. One would gather the small objects. Another would rip the tape. Others would hold the connecting objects in place or share extras with other groups. Building a bridge of mutual respect and goodwill.
As we walked the room to view their proudly displayed bridges, the children began discussing how they could build a better bridge next time. They were excited to share what they learned. Even suggesting they would make one at home with their parents or siblings. Building a bridge of hope and opportunity.
We discussed the importance of sharing what they learned with others. How their bridge was just the first one of many tries. That each time it will get better and better. And working as a team towards a common goal is better than working alone. Dr. King was one of the first to make an impact but he was not the last — just like their first bridge was not their final bridge.
By doing this exercise, we were able to answer who was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,simply by learning to work together to build a bridge. And hopefully teaching them that History CAN be both fun and educational. Since Dr. King’s death, we too have come a long way but there is still work left to do. A valuable lesson for all early learners.
In the words of MLK, Let’s build bridges, not walls.
