Emergent Learning
The learning at ICP often comes from the ideas and interests of the children and adults. One experience, one question, one object, one idea can be the springboard a whole area of in-depth learning.
A big sister shares her violin with the Orca class.
The oldest class at ICP, the Orca class, often has “Orca Helpers” come to class as teaching assistants. These helpers are graduates from our program, or older siblings. They often come with an idea to share or teach the children. One day a student’s big sister and big brother came as Orca Helpers. They decided to bring their instruments.
An electric guitar.
We invited the children who wanted to to bring an instrument from home. We had several different kinds of musical instruments come to school.
A fancy whistle.
Each child had an opportunity to introduce their instrument to the class. The other children were able to ask questions.
Sometimes a child does not want to do the sharing, so they teach the teacher about it, and then the teacher introduces the instrument to the class. This was a fascinating concertina.
These Orca Helpers were amazing teachers to the children, explaining their instruments and demonstrating them.
Creating a band!
The children had an opportunity to try out the instruments and created a band. They also had time to try out the different instruments during class time. This may be the springboard for a future project on music, or instruments, or performing.
