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Communicating through Construction
August 29, 2013
Every child begins the world again.
-Henry David Thoreau
-Henry David Thoreau
"[Sally] told of taking her young son ‘Chad’ (who has been diagnosed with autism and verbal-language delays), and his two typically developing siblings, to a nature-based public outdoor space. There, Chad discovered a large construction area where children could build with tree branches, tree cookies, and other natural items. Chad quickly became engaged in constructing a large rectangular structure. He used planks balanced on tree stumps to create places to sit, and he rolled four tree cookies up along the sides to look like wheels. Chad’s siblings watched in amazement as their brother climbed into the structure and began to ‘drive’ (using another tree cookie as a steering wheel). 'Mom,' they shouted, 'Chad made a car. Look at Chad’s car!'
"Sally talked with tears in her eyes about how amazing it was for Chad’s brother and sister to see him in a whole new light, as a capable person with something important to ‘say.’ Sally [related] how that experience made her realize she must keep providing Chad with a way to ‘talk’ to his family through visual-spatial materials."
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Comments (3)
Displaying All 3 CommentsSan Antonio, TX, United States
These are all examples of the Hundred Languages of Children!
CSBC
Denver, United States
Temple Grandin, the famous professor at Colorado State University with autism, has discussed visual thinking of people with autism. She once said she thought that's how everyone thinks! What's important here is to make sure that experts working with children with autism (and other disabilities) don't just try to force them to learn like their normally developing peers but capitalize on their strengths. Unfortunately its my experience that we want all children to learn in the same way. And the earlier we identify that they don't learn like their peers, the earlier we can try to make sure they do.
Early Childhood consultant
Leominster, MA, United States
This piece on listening through construction, is so true. I see it when I am observing during Stonework Play. I would like to add seeing through new eyes as well. When the adult or viewer is in the 'present' and 'wants nothing' from the child as Magda Gerber often spoke about, that is when one can really see and hear what the child can do as well as what is important to him or her
.
Look at all the Art work in the world, it speaks to us. Yes? Isn't it the same thing? Except we are so fortunate during construction, because in this case the artist is right in front of us..
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