a child's plan in a play-based school

Children's ideas are supported inside the classroom and outside.

I was speaking with a colleague, Maria, yesterday after school. Maria had been extending an interest of the children by offering musical instruments and music books on our outside patio. Our school had had a community event over the weekend where the university band came and played. The children had been mesmerized and inspired during the party.

Maria shared about Lance deciding to make his own Drum on Monday using cardboard and paper. Maria then shared the most special part: The next day, on Tuesday morning, Lance had made a plan at home before school with his mother. He had told his mom that today when he went to school that he would create a trombone and that she should come to the end of class when Storytime (meeting time, circle time) normally happened because he would play his trombone then.

Lance's first trombone. He made 4 others in following days.

Lance DID make a trombone at school out of huge recyclable tubes and milk caps for the buttons and lots of tape. 

Lance DID perform the university song during Storytime - with 8 other children who also invented instruments that day.
Lance's mother DID make sure to arrive for Storytime (parents are always welcome to join) to see and hear the trombone.

THIS is the beauty of a Play Based School. 
Lance knew that his ideas and plans would be supported and encouraged at school. 
Lance knew that school was where he made his own choices about where he played, with whom to play, and what materials with which to engage.
At our school, if Maria had not had music items or recyclables set out the next day, the teachers would ensure Lance could access whatever he needed to complete any plan he made.
 
Lance's dedication to his lengthy project, the pride he felt to complete it just how he wanted, and commitment to work along side 8 other friends who were designing flutes and tubas and drums - priceless. This exact play and plan could only happen where the teacher role is facilitator. We are there to uplift the work, ideas and world of the children.

Can you hear the trombone?