Rock Sculpting Center

A huge component of our work is setting our physical space as a provocation base for all the children. In other words, a lot of thought goes into our classroom centers with the goal in mind of getting every child interested and engaged. In our décor, we use neutral colors to allow children’s work to stand out and we use open-ended materials as they permit spontaneous and unguided responses.

One center that has been a great hit in our classroom is the Rock Sculpting Center. Inspired by our AFS Outdoor Classroom, emphasis was on the thought of creating an indoor center for not only recreation but also to enhance instruction.   

A play invitation like this might lead to sorting and ordering the rocks, counting them, forming letters with them, and much more. As the Cardinals explore the different colors and texture of the rocks their fine motor skills are enhanced. Mathematical concepts come in play as the Cardinals figure out that adding "one more" or taking "one away" is just the right amount they need to conclude their masterpiece. Sorting also comes in play when the children are putting the rocks away. One can hear a Cardinal say, “No. Not there. The red ones go here!” One to one correspondence can be seen as the children line up the rocks and count them. “I only need eight. See!” One favorite among the Cardinals is to create patterns either by color or by size; e.g., red, black, red, black, or big, small, big, small. But, the most enjoyed activity by all is attempting to replicate the work of Andy Goldsworthy as seen on the pages of his book sitting nearby.  Talk about observational drawing and the skills in producing. The learning is endless!

Imagine that! Such a simple play invitation made to look irresistible. It might just provoke a petrologist among us!