Teaching
The Stilts Library
This past spring saw an exciting addition to the Falk Laboratory School playground : stilts !
Available for use by all Falk students , the stilts were created by second graders in Carolyn Mericle ’ s classroom . They used saws and hammers to build the stilts , which were then painted in WonderLab to help protect them from the elements .
“ I loved stilts as a kid ,” says Mericle , recalling how the project began . “ I ’ m always interested in cooperative woodworking projects that kids in class can do together using the skills they have and reasonable supplies and materials .”
While WonderLab is where Falk students now complete most hands-on projects , second graders built the stilts in the hallway outside their classroom using woodworking tools purchased by longtime Falk art instructor Pamela ( Krakowski ) Armstrong .
“ It ’ s just something we value ,” says Mericle of handson work like making the stilts or the sewing projects her students occasionally create . “ I try to keep it alive as a side project , and they love to do it .”
Sharing the stilts with the entire school community was always part of the students ’ plan . That ’ s in keeping with Falk ’ s “ wonder , care , and act ” values , which help even the youngest Falk students to understand that they live in a community that shares not only resources but the responsibility to maintain common areas and to care for others ’ well-being .
After the stilts got some testing and WonderLab ’ s weatherproofing , the second graders set them up in a “ library ” located along the playground fence . They agreed on a set of rules that they communicated to the community on how to use the stilts safely and responsibly .
Among other play options like Falk ’ s Anji Play materials and the school ’ s gaga pit , the stilts have fit in beautifully on the playground . ■
24 EN AVANT | 2024 ISSUE