The car project was the first opportunity for this class of new preschoolers and their teachers to experience project work together. The majority of this class had recently transitioned from the toddler class. In addition, several children joined the group who were new to the center.
As the fall semester began, the teachers worked hard to get everyone used to a new environment and new routines. At the same time, the teachers kept their eyes open for potential project topics to emerge. When the children used the dress-up cart as a car, the teachers took that as a hint. After taking time to web the topic of cars, Ms. Beth and Ms. Michelle and the others on the teaching team planned some walks and other focus activities to "try out" the topic of cars.
It soon became clear that the car project was in gear. The children were able to have many hands-on experiences with the teachers' cars and spent extensive periods of time observing and drawing cars and car parts. The children also created their own car out of the dramatic-play prop cart and revisited photographs of car activities, which integrated many curriculum areas into the project.
The children's interest started to wane over winter break, and so when the spring semester began, it was clear that it was time to bring the project to a conclusion. The class decided to make one last trip to their favorite footbridge to take photographs of all the vehicles. These pictures and others would be made into a book that would celebrate the story of the project and could be sent home to each family to be shared with family and friends.