House 45: Out and About in New York City

This afternoon the kids got to see the whole City Blocks Panorama for the first time. We took some video of their reaction upon entering the Common Room:

 

 First Glimpse: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Check this out! This was a view out our classroom window last Thursday. So, not only are we busy builders in House 45, but we had this close-up glimpse of construction materials being delivered by crane to Dalton’s new building right next door! It was so exciting and made us all feel like part of a much bigger picture.

The City Blocks, that is! The children have been hard at work, finishing their last buildings and adding tons of tiny details that will bring their blocks to life. This week our discussions focused on rooftops – building machinery, green roofs, solar panels, school playgrounds (like ours!), swimming pools, and more.

One of the most important aspects of this project has been how each building’s design must consider its function. Through neighborhood observation walks and sketching, as well as time spent looking at hundreds of photos of city buildings (both in NYC and elsewhere) the children have been challenged to design buildings whose size, shape and detailing convey their purpose. Please ask your child about which of their buildings posed the greatest challenges and why. It’s helpful for them to reflect on this and find the words to express their experience.

We’re all looking forward to seeing you this Wednesday at our City Blocks parent reception from 9:30 to 10:15. On Friday, the children take their blocks to the TD Bank on Third Avenue and 85th Street, where they’ll be on display in the windows until April 9th.