In the last two weeks, we have been exploring wire in a number of the classrooms. Children have learned basic joining and shaping techniques while telling “stories” with the wire. I have enjoyed hearing conversations jump back and forth between storytelling and telling the story of the language of wire. Here is one clear example from Gilliatte:
Latisse: Why are you taking these pictures? Show me.
Ms. Elizabeth: I took a picture of Antonio very carefully sliding his bead down the wire.
Latisse: Oh. Do it again, Antonio. Let me watch.
Ms. Elizabeth: I took a picture of the strategy he was using to make sure the bead didn’t fall off. I took a picture of the strategy you used to pick up the beads.
Latisse: You mean with this tool? I did have a good strategy with that!