At Meadowridge, learning often begins with curiosity, but sometimes a few wooden blocks, a sandbox, and a little play are also added to the mix. Our Grade 9 Design students have begun a special project in which they’ll research, create, and test toys designed to improve the fine motor skills of our Junior Kindergarten students.
Before the building begins, they start with something just as important: the discovery phase.
In this first stage, the Grade 9s spent time in the Junior Kindergarten classroom, observing how our youngest learners play. They scoped out what captures their attention, what challenges them, and what makes them light up with joy. Grade 9s are learning not only about fine motor development, but also about comfort, confidence, and curiosity.
By spending time together and through the process of learning with and from each other, connections and empathy are also built, alongside the designs. One Junior Kindergarten student shared, “I played with sand with the big kids.” Another proudly said, “I painted a heart with them,” and Oliver couldn’t wait to share, “I played Lego with them and built a giant dragon!” while Jind added, “When I see them now, I wave and say hi!”
These simple moments of connection, through shared play, laughter, and imagination, are sparking something deeper. While the Junior Kindergarteners are thrilled to show “the big kids” their world of play, the Grade 9 students are gaining insight and creativity for the next stage of the project.
Over the next term, Grade 9 Design students will apply what they’ve learned and begin designing and testing toys among themselves. They will then take their design toys to the Junior Kindergarten classroom and put their creations made for curious minds and growing hands to the final test.