Built a Jamestown diorama with legos / Activity Analysis

Art

• The child learned about composition and design by planning and arranging the legos to create a visually appealing diorama.
• They explored color and texture by selecting lego pieces that represented different elements of the Jamestown settlement, such as buildings, ships, and people.
• They developed fine motor skills by assembling the legos and manipulating them to create the desired structures.
• The child exercised creativity and imagination by thinking outside the box to use legos in a non-traditional art form.

History

• The child gained knowledge about the Jamestown settlement, its purpose, and its significance in American history through the process of building a diorama that accurately represented the historical event.
• They learned about the physical layout of Jamestown, including the fort, houses, and the James River, by recreating these elements with legos.
• They developed an understanding of the challenges faced by the settlers, such as limited resources and conflicts with Native Americans, as they incorporated these details into their diorama.
• The child engaged with primary and secondary sources, such as books or online resources, to gather information about Jamestown before constructing their lego diorama.

Social Studies

• The child developed an understanding of community and how it is shaped by historical events and interactions by recreating the Jamestown settlement with legos.
• They explored the concept of interdependence by considering the various roles and occupations within the Jamestown community and representing them in their diorama.
• The child learned about the culture and daily life of the settlers by incorporating details like clothing, food, and activities into their lego creation.
• They gained an appreciation for the impact of human actions on the environment, as they depicted the natural surroundings of Jamestown in their diorama.

Continued development can be encouraged by challenging the child to research and build dioramas of other historical events or landmarks using legos. They can explore different art techniques, such as painting or adding details with other materials, to enhance the visual impact of their dioramas. Encourage them to think critically about the historical context and significance of each project and to share their creations with classmates or family members.

Book Recommendations

• Jamestown: A Place in the New World by Sally Senzell Isaacs: This book provides an overview of the Jamestown settlement, including its founding, challenges, and interactions with Native Americans. It is filled with colorful illustrations that can inspire the child's lego diorama.
• You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist! by Jacqueline Morley: This humorous book offers a unique perspective on life in Jamestown by presenting it through the eyes of a fictional character. It covers various aspects of colonial life, providing additional details for a more comprehensive diorama.
• If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern: This book offers a glimpse into life in colonial America, providing insights into the daily activities, customs, and challenges faced by the settlers. It can serve as a valuable resource for the child's research and diorama creation.