I had the students think about who they are and what is important to them...and took them through a small version of the "design process".
The students wrote about themselves and their dream home, thinking about who will live there, family, hobbies, and so forth.
They finished the statement,"In my house I need places and space to....(sleep, work, cook, store things, grow things, build things, paint, run, act, dance...) so I will design a....(sleeping loft, studio, kitchen closet, greenhouse, work room painting room...)
Then, they drew preliminary plans, and built their own homes. I had lots materials that I had saved from junkology: boxes, egg cartons, plastic containers. The only material I bought was foam core (4 sheets).
Then I had them build and they loved it. Pure design and pure creativity. I monitored and helped out, and cut the foam core for them. This took a little bit of time, but because they are in grade two and three, I had be responsible for any cutting. I love the designs and the attention to detail.
I also told them that their designs may change as they start building, and that is okay, and it is important to adapt and change as we construct.
I need to reference: Learning by Design in Massachusetts: a children's design education program of the Boston Society of Architects. You can download fabulous pdf files on "Dream House Designs".
Finally, I must thank the wonderfully brilliant and creative students who came to the challenge centre for Architects Align. They all did a wonderful job and their creations are fabulous and well thought out. Thank you everyone!!!
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