Here is how we create emergent curriculum and an illustration of how the process unfolds in Wee World.

The day began with some friends interested in researching different types of holes: black holes, dirt holes, sinkholes, and water holes. We looked at pictures of natural watering holes and man-made water holes in dams. This conversation led to questions about dams! We compared man-made dams (Hoover Dam, Three Gorges Dam) and dams made by animals (beaver dams).

We capitalized on this interest by creating a hands-on sensory activity: let’s build our own dam!

 

We started with Magna tiles and friends tested their first dam design. After adding water there were some leaks, so friends decided to change it up. We added blue watercolor, shells, and sand to simulate a real river and introduced popsicle sticks as a new dam-building material.

                    

 

Friends came and went as they pleased, feeling the water and sand. Younger friends poured the water in shells and in their hands while older friends focused on building the dam.

The finished result!

We didn’t begin the morning planning to build a dam; this sensory science experiment flowed from our friends’ interests. Emergent curriculum naturally engages friends and leads to fulfilling learning experiences. 

Happy Hump Day! –Jessica

Wee Sprouts: Grape tomatoes. Breakfast: Rice cakes with peanut butter and strawberries. Lunch: Egg salad sandwiches on whole wheat flatbread, fresh cucumbers and honeydew melon.  Snack: Refried beans and whole wheat crackers.