I have a lot to learn. I know this, and am reminded of just how much every day!  An example of this is the construction a couple of 7 year old boys created working together without any “adult-eration” (i.e. no adult intervention).

We were using tools which meant I needed to take time out of the group’s free play to gather everyone and make sure they knew how to make their “wood medals” safely. These two boys had struggled to listen to instructions but enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that their determination and concentration awarded them. They were the first pair to finish their medals, demonstrating superb team-work and a wonderful way of encouraging each other. It was near the end of the session, so whilst they waited for the rest of their class-mates they returned to their project of building a cosy shelter for themselves, and the log-dogs they had made earlier.  Bursting with pride about their construction, they invited each pair of class-mates, as they finished their medals, to come and experience their shelter. The boys grinned as they enjoyed listening to their friends compliments and answering their questions.

I was curious, came over, and was enthusiastic.  However, it wasn’t until the end of the  session when I was dismantling everything (to leave no trace), that I came to appreciate the feat these two boys had achieved.  I am fascinated by pictures I see of artists balancing natural objects to create seemingly impossible works of art.  As I removed the tarp and undid the string, the structure remained in place.  Branches I would have considered “upside down” were balanced within an interlocking system of sticks and their forks. The result was a structure with impressive stability.

The picture below doesn’t do justice to it’s complexity but as I stopped and looked at what those boys had created, I wondered if I would have been able to re-create it by following a plan.  I doubt it. That moment reminded me to be better at looking and actually seeing, rather than just scanning and assuming I know what is there.  Thank you for the reminder boys and can’t wait to see what you build next!