Charcoal in the forest

Today we divided the classes into two groups – one would remain in the classroom and continue their charcoal markings and the other group had the opportunity to see if they can find charcoal in the forest.  The children were encouraged to consider connections between the forest and the charcoal during the previous days. Many of their charcoal creations expressed such consideration for these interconnections. A small group of children venturing outside seemed highly motivated for the opportunity to pursue charcoal in the forest and were eagerly anticipating such encounters.  On the way out of the centre, a child in was asked by a child where we were headed. He declared purposefully “We are going to the forest to find charcoal!”

When we got to the forest the children searched in many spaces for traces of charcoal.  Some children located dark looking wood fragments that resembled the charcoal sticks they had used in the classroom.  Some attempted to mark etchings with them but were unable to do so. Before long, most of the children came to the conclusion that these wood fragments were not the elusive charcoal pieces they hoped to find.  A few of the children, however, insisted on bringing a few pieces back to the classroom to show the others. Actual charcoal forest encounters would have to wait for another day.