Fatima observed that the preschoolers had been enthusiastically building obstacle courses during indoor free-play. To extend this interest, she posed a thoughtful question: Would you like to build an obstacle course outside? The children were eager to take on the challenge.
Walter, Ellie, and Keira immediately began collecting materials and headed to the mulch area. Walter and Ellie took the initiative to suggest a trip to the shed to gather additional supplies. They carefully selected materials they believed would enhance their course: pipe tubes, a wooden marble run piece, a milk crate, wooden planks, and a tunnel. Their choices reflected both creativity and problem-solving as they envisioned how each item could be used.
Once the materials were gathered, the group collaborated to assemble their obstacle course. Walter and Gavin took on leadership roles, delegating tasks and ensuring the layout followed a logical path. Keira thoughtfully proposed a safety measure: assigning someone to monitor the tunnel so that only one friend could go through at a time. Walter stepped forward and said, “I will go first and make sure it’s safe.”
Through this experience, the children demonstrated critical thinking, collaboration, and emerging leadership skills. They showed respect for one another's ideas, practiced turn-taking, and considered safety — all while engaging in active, imaginative play outdoors.
