The children in the Meadow Room emailed our class to ask if they could come down and visit the outside classroom. They asked if they could play there and look for animals. When the 4th grade recieved the email their immediate response was a resounding NO!
Their idea of preschoolers, I think from experience with younger siblings was that they wouldn't be able to listen and would potentially destroy the classroom. The return email was full of rules and regulations. They basically wrote that they didn't really want them to go, but if they had to, then it was going to be by the 4th graders rules.
Now, the 4th grade have spent a lot of time building their classroom and are already upset that others have been inspired to build spaces or play close by. They have incredible ownership of their space and are very territorial about it.
So the children of the Meadow Room came over for their pre-visit briefing and a discussion was held. The 4th grade were very polite and accommodating but I could see that underneath it all they were worried.
We buddied up and started off across the field. Immediately the 4th graders took charge, waiting at the road until everyine was ready and crossing together. A sense of excitement as in the air as we went behind the ha ha wall.
It was as if the 4th graders had wanted the preschoolers with them the whole time. They held their hands, led them through the classroom, were very friendly and caring towards them, making sure of their safety with all the big branches. They then discovered a swinging vine and for the next ten minutes or so took turns to swing. It didn't take long for the 4th graders to take turns with the preschoolers and show them how to swing. I noticed encouragement for those who were a little nervous of the vine.
Each 4th grader stayed aware of their buddy the whole time. Many gave their buddies piggy backs on the way back up, and only a few let go off hands. We decided to extend the moment and eat snack together, it was hard to pull away.
This experience was so magical for both grades. Once the 4th graders were with the preschoolers they were no longer afraid, they had a better understanding of them. They had been given a chance to share something very special to them and they did it with grace.
And after the visit the resounding response was:
When can we do this again?
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