Snakes.... Why does it always have to be snakes?

While learning all about the rainforest, my students became very interested in snakes.

It wasn't just one or two students. No, no. It was the ENTIRE class.

Students brought in books from home, wrote books about snakes, and even created a 'snake house' in our construction area.

Naturally, it wasn't long before a student asked "Ms Sam, what's the biggest type of snake?"

We went straight to the books to research!

We soon learned that a green anaconda is the largest type of snake (by weight) and the second longest type of snake.

Of course, it can be hard to visualize an abstract form of measurement. We took to the Green Space and measured out 20 feet.

First we laid down our foot rulers.

Then we used paper tubes to represent the length with tubes.

It was pretty long.

Much longer than us!

We laid our bodies down next to the snake for comparison!

After measuring we went back to the class to paint and draw scales on the anaconda.

The next day, after the paper tubes had dried, we taped the pieces together.

Now, you may think it would be difficult to assist sixteen children with taping something together. It is. My recommendation is to work with small groups (five to six children at a time). I place the tape on the edge of the table and then the students come and grab the pieces they need. I call this set up "The Tape Store" and we use it many times for various projects throughout the year. By the end of Term Three we are all familiar with the Tape Store and how it works. We've also had lots of experience taping things together!

There is great communication and cooperation to be gained from allowing children the opportunity to work collaboratively on a piece of art. When working together I heard lots of great problem solving to include "Hey, tape this here!" "I'll hold it for you while you tape!"

Sometimes communication issues arise. Giving children a guided opportunity to work through communication frustrations is great practice for unstructured play time and real world scenarios. As a 'guide on the side' I make small recommendations like "It looks like you're frustrated." "Maybe if you hold the tube while she tapes, it won't fall apart."

...And yes, the end result of allowing children to tape together twenty feet of paper tubes may not be the prettiest thing in the world to look at--but your students will be involved. Remember, this isn't a beauty pageant--it's about creating empowered, resilient, and capable learners! (said more to myself than anyone else).

A few students arrived early in the morning and were keen to make the anaconda's head. I let them decide the materials for making the head. By this point in the year, we've done lots of exploration with materials so they are able to self-select and gather the specific materials they need.  This group used an old tissue box for the head. I assisted in helping them to cut the box. I also helped them in taping the mouth open. They layered the green paper on it and created the fangs on their own. They also included a tongue.

There was a great buzz when we finally got it all put together. It fell apart on our way to the display area--but we would not be deterred! I pulled out tape from my apron pocket and we problem solved yet again!

Now it has made it's new home outside the playground area!

Again, I include captions and pictures with the display to give parents and caregivers the pedagogy behind the project.