Remember the smell of new construction?  The fresh shavings from sawdust?  The glistening new paint?  ...And don't forget the pride when the job is completed.  My senses were stimulated as I entered the Pre-K classroom this week and I watched the architects and builders hard at work.  The children learned about the sequencing of building with the book, How a House Is Built, by Gail Gibbons and so they had the sequence in perfect order.  First, they came up with the idea of "Mom's work place," or "The U of M Pharmacy" for example.  Then they drew the plans of this elaborate construction.  Next, of course, they needed a prototype so they built one with Styrofoam and golf tees.  Finally, they were able to make use of real wood to complete their construction.  They topped it off with a coat of paint and each of them had what was probably the best building they had ever seen.  The pride in their faces as they pointed out their very own creation, and the excitement when they were able to share it with the adult who picked them up that day, said it all.  Creating your very own building is really an experience.

The finished products!