The Rookery

On Friday the Big Birds had a very special opportunity — we got to move mulch.  Our playground had been shut down because the wood chip cushion had gotten too thin to be safe and so we were eagerly awaiting the new wood chips.  The students asked Caroline if they could help spread the mulch when it came (many of them remembered their work last year on the playground plans).  Caroline agreed and on Friday, when the semi came, she fetched us.

The students worked hard through the afternoon.  I was struck by their good nature (no one complained) and their work ethic (many were disappointed when we had to go in and asked if we could continue on Monday).  However, I was especially interested in the way they organized themselves.  Very quickly and with no input from any adults, there were "pushers" who filled containers from above, "carriers" who moved mulch, and "spreaders" who worked on the playground.  Some students were innovators — asking if they could use the sleds to move more mulch or digging into the shed to get more shovels.  Others were motivators, urging their classmates on and setting goals for everyone.  All of this was done with no conflict and, when one child did get overwhelmed and took a break, he was welcomed back with encouragement and kind words.

All I did was run the video tape and feel very proud of children who were so capable and so independent in their organizational skills.

Post script:  L.B. made some phone calls and his uncle was able to come and help finish the job with his skid steer after school (thank you!).  Now our playground is ready for playing.