Getting to know each group

I learn so much in the first few minutes with each group. Not just about what age group they are in, but about HOW they work, and WHO they are. I'm a good listener, and I take advantage of that, being sensitive to each group's needs and skills. I adjust my plan on the fly constantly. This summer group was particularly tuned in to the aromas and textures of the natural materials I brought. Most of them live in a more urban setting, and were not familiar with different kinds of bark or the names of plants and animals, but they related to the smell of fresh cilantro and lemon basil, so we started from there. They learned so much, and worked together well building natural sculptures inside.