African studies this summer brought us to Egypt where we studied the great pyramids. The content of our lessons ranged from the limestone the pyramids are made from, to the traits of a cube, and also what is inside the great pyramids of Egypt.
As an extension to our pyramid lessons, we gave the children sugar cubes, glue, a three dimensional model and encouragement for the children to construct their own versions.
I went into the construction phase with no expectations of what the finished product would be. The interpretations of what my three dimensional pyramid looked like was so different to so many of the children. Some children built the pyramid flat on the tray, some built them upward and some just built a flat wall. None of them seemed to grasp the three dimensional quality of the pyramid though. I’m hoping that if we revisit this lesson again in a few months we will have some children that can start to build the third dimension of the pyramid.
Open-ended activities and recreations help build connections within the child’s rapidly developing mind. They are able to conceptualize and then bring to life ideas in their heads. Imagine what they will bring to life when they are grown!
