Why do people build bridges? Where do they start? Where do they go? Why are they important?

This series of questions served as the jumping-off point for Ms. Tharp and Ms. Endicott's Pre-Kindergarten class as they launched into a study of structures that abound in the Rose City: bridges!

As Ms. Tharp explains, "The children have been driving the bridge play--mainly outdoors--for the entire fall. They took found objects such as used kitchen utensils and sticks and used them to build a bridge that they could all walk on like a balance beam. The would then imagine that they were going to and from different places.

Under the bridge different elements existed based on the day. Sometimes it was clouds, rainbows. or rough water. At times there were airplanes, boats, trains, fast cars, dragons or dinosaurs. The goal was to get everyone across the bridge safely, and every single Pre-K student worked hard to construct the bridge. We decided to take that play inside and ask the students, 'Why do people build bridges?' Since then, we have built bridges out of marshmallows and toothpicks, clay, paper, paint and blocks of all sizes."

Enjoy some of the dialogue our very youngest Aardvarks had with each other about this topic:

Ms. Endicott: Where can bridges take you?

MANY VOICES:

EVERYWHERE! 
To the highway.
To California!
And to Mexico!
Bridges take us to the swimming pool!
Bridges can start in Oregon, Chicago or San Diego.

Cade H.: To Germany.

Evie Y.: The east or the south.

Ren S.: Bridges can start in Africa or go to Africa.

Sully P.: It also helps you get across from place to place.