It's Scott from Brick by Brick. I love to repurpose materials—use materials in ways different from their intended purpose.
I want to share with you one of the all time favorite activities in my classroom. This activity has been enjoyed by numerous groups of children. In fact, whenever I have this set up in my classroom, someone always plays here. Always. Here's the complicated preparation for this activity.
It's a car! 4 chairs and a steering wheel. My steering wheel is a steering wheel cover. It's just like I bought it at the big box store - on a circle that looks like a steering wheel. I added a little tape to keep it from sliding off. Don't have a handy steering wheel? Use a paper plate. Cut it to look like a steering wheel. Or just use it as is.
My children love this. Every group I've taught loves this.
They pretend to drive to all kinds of places - the store, Chuck E. Cheese, Disney World, grandma's house.
This car is definitely powered by imagination. I usually don't add many other items. Sometimes I put purses (from the thrift store) nearby. Sometimes I add our regular dress-up clothes (also from the thrift store). Sometimes the baby doll and diaper bag. Sometimes a small suitcase to suggest a longer trip.
But usually just the chairs and steering wheel.
It's a versatile vehicle. Sometimes it becomes a sports car, with seats for a couple of friends.
Sometimes it grows to be a minivan...so everyone can ride at the same time.
Add this magical mode of transportation to your classroom. Then sit close by and listen to the conversations and interactions. I guarantee you'll be driving with imagination in no time.
I love this post and your pictures. Years ago we were talking about transportation in our Pre - K program. We sat up something similar except it was an airplane. We put suitcases close by, etc. One little went to the home living and packed some clothes. Then got on the plane, sat down and then a shocked look came across his face and he shouted, "I forgot the baby!" He jumps up and goes to the home living, grabs a baby and stuffs it into his suitcase and went back to the plane! That was years ago and I'm sure he is in his late thirties by now but I have never forgotten that hilarious episode.
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