The Happy Wagon Fall 2020
Sitting in the wagon and being pulled by a teacher or friend is so much fun that you wish to sit in there forever! That became a problem when you all wanted a turn to ride inside but nobody wanted to pull the wagon! It made me think of a car that is missing its motor! When I asked if someone had power and would be the back motor, I heard a friend call out: “I do! I’ll be the motor!” Then quickly another friend cried out: “Me too! I want to do it!”. All of you began to take turns to be drivers, passengers and engines. The little wagon became a favorite toy again with friends sharing, turn taking and using their strong muscles in the power of team work!
It is important to allow children to navigate potential conflicts with their peers and to trust that they are capable to come to fair resolutions.
The level of cooperation between children often amazes new adults who come to our centre, one parent said: "I just find the children here so kind and they get along so well with each other."
Children have a natural desire to be together to accomplish tasks or goals but often need support in figuring out how everyone can participate in equal and meaningful ways. By simply asking "Does anyone have power to be a motor?" this offered another way of participating in the wagon experience besides just being the passenger. Once the children had this new role suggestion they were able to take this into their own hands and show us that they can naturally take turns without much support.
