Toddlers and a box

Box provocation: A large box was placed in the toddler classroom as an open ended provocation by the Toddler teachers (Rose: “I sometimes have a hard time thinking what a toddler provocation might be and then I saw this box and said PROVOCATION!”).

Observation: N. is in the box laughing hard! K and J climb in.  D climbs on top of them.  I invite D to climb back out.  The play gets louder.  Rose invites the children to continue playing but asks them do so more quietly.  The play continues and the box rocks like a ship, the box "vroom-vrooms" like a car, "choo-choos" like a train and the box rips.  
Belle says, “Oh no the box ripped”.  

The toddlers look at the torn box with concern.  Together we talk about the tear and I ask how we might fix the box.  N says we need tape.  Several others agree. I offer to get tape and N says “I go too!” Together they work taping the box, the rip and their fingers.  When finished several carry it back into the classroom deciding on a "two in the box" rule to assure the longevity of the box.

Social constuctivism is noticeable in all open-ended activities with the children.  With the box the toddlers provided a beautiful example of shared experience and evolving social rules and expectations that adapt to meet the needs of the community.  Development is obvious across developmental domains as children work together to solve problems, navigate conflict and create shared understanding.

Possible Extensions:  

• Read Antoinette Portis' book, Not a Box
• Put out a box at home and see what happens