Jasper builds the Titanic

Jasper began his day by co-coordinating a build of the cruise ship - Titanic. Jasper and his crew collected resources from the educators - Helen and Kel. They then set about planning the lay out of the ship and making edges with the bricks.



As the boat began taking shape Jasper set about inviting guests onto the ship. I was invited. Jasper: "Erin, would you like to come onto the titanic?" Erin: "no thanks Jasper I do not want to crash and sink" Jasper is satisfied with this answer and walks to his ship. He soon returns explaining: "Erin, it is Titanic 2, we will dodge the ice berg" Erin: "Oh, ok I will come aboard in a little while"



Jasper and Santai are leading the build and disputing over who is the captain. Santai wants to be the captain and Jasper tells Santai he can be the pilot. Santai does not want to be the pilot as he thinks they only fly planes not boats.



Jasper asks Kel for an ice berg for the Titanic to 'dodge'... Kel finds a clear tub and places it in the 'ocean',,,Meanwhile Helen has found a sail and a steering wheel as well as a real ship's rope and boy. Asher sets about creating an anchor with the ship rope and they attach the anchor to a solid formation (the stage).



After the Titanic was built I returned for my voyage. Jasper was the captain and began driving. He looked over his shoulder to ask if everything was alright and I said yes can we go to a tropical island. Jasper: "What's a tropical island?" I reply: "A nice place with white sand, clear water and palm trees" Jasper: "What's a palm tree?" Erin: "Those tall trees"(points to palm tree). Jasper nods and continues driving, he notices the anchor is still attached to the boat and quickly unwinds this large heavy rope.




At 3pm we all inform Jasper's dad that we built the Titanic today at Jasper's request and he nods knowingly: "Yes we have been watching the documentary of the sinking of the Titanic and he has watched the movie with his cousins. Here we can see how important the links between the preschool and home are. Jasper's interest in the Titanic created a meaningful spontaneous play experience for many children today. We learnt about the Titanic 2 and about how to dodge ice bergs. Jasper and Santai negotiated roles and took turns coordinating their play. Asher was creative in his thinking and used representation to create the anchor from the ship rope. Children's play reveals so much of their thinking and knowledge, this Titanic play allowed Jasper to explore what he had learnt from the documentary. Jasper transformed his knowledge into a play script and used this to guide his play with his peers and transfer his knowledge to those around him.