I told the children that I would take off the broken basket on our very old, second hand scooter. It was already past its prime when it landed in our play yard. Yet we find it a beloved vehicle and can't seem to throw it away.
The children suggested we tape the basket instead of throwing it away. I guess I'm rubbing off on them.
The application of duct tape is equivalent to buying a new one, as far as we're concerned.
The thing is, during the "fixing" process, all they cared about was holding the tape for me. Preschoolers are so unpredictably predictable in this way. It's not about the fixing, it's about the process. And in this case, there was one micro-component of the situation that received the ubiquitous attention of every child involved--"when is it my turn to hold the tape".
It's moment like these that we get to introduce (and practice) basic, yet very meaningful, social skills. How to ask for a turn, how to get a turn, how to share, how to not share, when to wait, when to speak up.
We also just spent a few minutes together, with a common purpose, a common interest. A community of friends and learners. Lovers of duct tape.
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