Job Training: Exploring the Work of Construction Workers
Preschool
September 27, 2017
September’s Job Training theme was Construction Workers.
In English lessons, the children learned tool names and how tools are used. During craft time, they made tool belts and a building with windows decorated with their own drawings.
Construction workers are a familiar sight around town, but attention often goes to cranes and dump trucks. This time, our learning focused on the people doing the work.
We began by introducing tool names and uses in English and Japanese, and singing songs to build interest.
We then visited a real construction site on a walk during Japanese class. The children noticed the belts workers used to carry their tools. A worker came out and kindly showed them his belt and the tools attached to it. Everyone said, “That’s so cool!”
Recognizing the tools they had learned about made the children even more interested, so we decided to make our own tool belts.
The children colored the seven tools from the Construction Worker song and attached them to their belts. With their emergency helmets on too, they were ready for action. They immediately removed the freshly glued tools and pretended to build using their hammers and drills!
The following week, we secured the tools properly and returned to the construction site wearing the handmade belts and helmets. The staff kindly opened a shutter within a safe area so the children could see the impressive site.
Sharing daily experiences with children brings new lesson ideas that were not in the original curriculum. We welcome these opportunities when they make learning enjoyable and meaningful for the children.
In English lessons, the children learned tool names and how tools are used. During craft time, they made tool belts and a building with windows decorated with their own drawings.
Construction workers are a familiar sight around town, but attention often goes to cranes and dump trucks. This time, our learning focused on the people doing the work.
We began by introducing tool names and uses in English and Japanese, and singing songs to build interest.
We then visited a real construction site on a walk during Japanese class. The children noticed the belts workers used to carry their tools. A worker came out and kindly showed them his belt and the tools attached to it. Everyone said, “That’s so cool!”
Recognizing the tools they had learned about made the children even more interested, so we decided to make our own tool belts.
The children colored the seven tools from the Construction Worker song and attached them to their belts. With their emergency helmets on too, they were ready for action. They immediately removed the freshly glued tools and pretended to build using their hammers and drills!
The following week, we secured the tools properly and returned to the construction site wearing the handmade belts and helmets. The staff kindly opened a shutter within a safe area so the children could see the impressive site.
Sharing daily experiences with children brings new lesson ideas that were not in the original curriculum. We welcome these opportunities when they make learning enjoyable and meaningful for the children.
Author Profile
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Reiko - Services and Community Coordinator (Japan)
Reiko joined CGK as an opening staff member after working in licensed nursery care in Japan and two international preschools, alongside volunteering at a daycare in Canada. These cross-cultural experiences shape her approach to supporting children. She values opportunities for learners to discover their interests and strengths, express themselves and broaden their possibilities through meaningful experiences.