It turns out that a fort can be constructed in three afternoons of class time. I had my doubts. When I left them after day one, there was still much to do.
Gavin contributed and painted that boat in the back and Mason supplied all the Jamestown figures. He was excited about those and they did add a nice touch.
Mason was really happy that his group inherited these little buildings from a group’s surplus.
The improvisation skills of some kids cannot be underestimated. See those crops in the field? Monday they did not exist. What they had were several giant faux leaves the size of my hands and a pile of natural colored tooth picks. The girls told me they were going to use them to make the crops, but I couldn’t envision that. Thank goodness, they could.
This was a good project because it reflected the kids’ knowledge and skill, not the parents’. Yes, outside materials were supplied and helpful but the forts were built from their creativity and at their level. The group collaboration was successful and the project was not stressfully completed at home.
The grading criteria was such:
Fort walls are created in the realistic “triangular” shape with three bulwarks
At least three structures labeled inside the fort including one storehouse, one church, and one quarter
Tobacco garden growing in straight rows
Label the bulwarks and add equipment used inside the bulwark
Create a gate and roads for your fort
Small map of Jamestown with an “X” showing where Jamestown was located in Virginia
Quality of work: neatness and punctuality
I agree with their teacher. They did a good job!
I love love love projects like these. Sometimes they’re more telling than projects completed home. I like that limitations can inspire creativity. (Hey, that sounds like something the Nester would say) Great job with Mason,
I meant to say Great Job Mason!