Friday the 16th of June saw Kells children celebrate Save the Children’s National Den Day. This is a sponsored event that raises awareness of the importance of shelter as a human right and play as part of childhood.
Mrs Brydson had been fantastically resourceful; she had been in contact with many local businesses, shops and tradesmen. As the day approached the children became more and more excited about the prospect of making dens. Gradually Mrs Brydson, friends and family stacked supplies behind the school. Amazingly, she had gathered pallets, reclaimed wood, cabinet doors, nails and screws, tools (saws, pliers, hammers) – a wholehearted thank you for this magnificent contribution.
The anticipation was mounting… what could be built with these resources? Questions were asked. Fears were allayed. The chatter was increasing… Fortunately a calm, focussed and wildly ambitious plan was at the back of the adults minds. We were very keen to allow the children to have freedom to create their structures (whilst facilitating a safe and fun activity).
We were extremely lucky to have the skill and expertise of Jake Jordan. Jake is a local joiner who has previously worked as a lecturer in carpentry in Dumfries – he was an inspiration to the children and adults alike. Having a professional show confidence and focus with the tools at hand meant the children were taught practical life skills and now we all, including Mister Thompson, have a few new tricks up our sleeves for cutting and hammering.
Did you know that blunting a nail of its tip will prevent it from cracking wood when hammered in? Thanks Jake!
Safety was at the forefront of the day; this meant we were all to use the tools as shown, with respect and to cooperate well. Zak’s creative use of zip ties made for some excellent hinges and gave the children a whole new avenue to pursue. The children showed amazing creativity, work ethic, patience, motivation and dedication to the project. Everyone can be proud of: taking turns, remaining calm when things changed and focussing on how to overcome a problem.
The result was a splendid day of happy learning, creating structures that had sliding doors, trap doors, doors that the children pointed out had to be redesigned so that everyone of all abilities could access the dens – roofs that made pirate ships, roofs that made children shout “WAAAAAAGH! Just look at this roof in here!”, roofs that were waterproofed, and even roofs that doubled as escape routes – swings that were high, swings that were low, swings for standing on, swings for spinning on and swings that had to be assessed, reassessed and changed for safety.
The amount of progress and perseverance sent the adults giddy… Not to mention the children!
Lunchtime was spent with the children discussing their designs whilst eating their picnics inside their creations.
The afternoon session saw even more building and fixing. It was clear the children had made their imaginative plans come true. Games and play were beginning to creep in to the building process and with an hour to go – time was called and the children were encouraged to use their dens. This meant the children could assess and better their designs. Jake, Donald and Zak went into overdrive explaining, suggesting and fixing the children’s recommendations. Donald was spotted having a moments rest, lying like Bagheera in a tree after safely attaching a tyre swing. The energy was high and I myself would have loved to have stopped to see the activity from above (looking back on the photos gave me some perspective of the process and how much was achieved), the children working intently and playing enthusiastically. We can all be proud of our achievements as we worked together to make a happy place! Long may this kind of energy and enthusiasm last in schools – teaching and learning is AWESOME.
Highlights of the day were *everyone* participating positively; but special mentions go to these bits that were noticed:
Boy carrying enormous piece of timber carefully and safely whilst humming the Star Wars theme tune loudly. Girl sawing foot after foot of hardwood timber “I’m loving this!”. The parents, who rallied around to provide us with extra eyes, advice and helped facilitate this safe and successful activity. Girl advising other girl to “Let the saw do the work!” (this became a bit of a catchphrase). Girl hammering happily and straightening nail again and again in an effort to be accurate and build well. Boy asking for modifications to structure to allow for his sister to be able to gain access and everyone heartily helping to solve problem. The constant squeals of delight from boys, girls AND adults as the process of creativity developed. Everybody being responsible and kindly reminding each other of safety tips. The signs that read: “Keep owt. Espeshlee teachurs. Pirates ownly.” And “No pirates, or teachers, but Mister Thompson can come in.”
So, despite the effort with the beard, I know my place – not reached pirate status yet.
I will keep trying!
“Aaaaaaarh me hearties.”
