The River House Project at Center AM
Last winter, children at Center AM became fascinated with houses. They started by climbing up and down metal ladders on a red playhouse. They talked about how to fix and rebuild the structure. Some children in our program were watching their homes being renovated, while others were simply watching the process in the community. The houses were meaningful to them, and they wanted to see them restored. Afterwards, we learned that they could build their own wooden house.
The building’s co-founders had a vision to use the historic structure to foster creativity, culture, and collaboration. In addition to being an inspiring space for young people, the River House project also serves as an example of energy efficiency. The four floors of former classrooms are filled with natural light and are a wonderful place to work. The students can work on their projects alone or collaborate with others in groups. The teachers appreciate the opportunity to witness the students’ creativity and collaborative problem-solving skills in action.
The program began by constructing a one-story house. The children observed how the building was built and discussed their own previous experiences. Throughout the process, the children worked cooperatively, arguing and refining language to make sure their creation reflected their ideas. It also strengthened their sense of community. The children enjoyed being the protagonists in their own story. Despite its small size, the River House has inspired countless children to become artists and creators. Moreover, it serves as a showcase of energy efficiency. In addition to its stately appearance, the building was reconstructed to include many historic details and appointments. With its sophisticated architecture and cutting-edge technology, it has a contemporary appeal.
The River House was abandoned for decades. Its co-founders wanted to save the historic building to foster creative collaboration, culture, and community. The project was a great success, allowing the region’s growing creative sector to thrive. It is an ideal example of energy-efficient design, while still maintaining the original stately structure. Its reconstructed design retains many of its original features and historical appointments. It is a fusion of traditional and modern styles, enabling the building to be a showcase of energy-efficient construction and sustainable living.
The River House is a great model of cooperative learning. The students collaborated in building their houses in teams. The students also worked in a group environment and worked collaboratively to refine their ideas. They enjoyed playing the role of the protagonists in their own stories. The teachers felt rewarded by the children’s enthusiasm and engagement. The program is a great way to involve young children in a creative environment. The teamwork and research involved in the process of building a home reflects the students’ personal experiences and aims.
The house was the first building project for the students in the program. The students were involved in the building process and discussed their experiences and observations with the team. The project also included cooperative learning through debating ideas and refining language. The children enjoyed being protagonists in their own stories. Their creativity was rewarded by their participation in the program. The teachers felt encouraged to see that the children were engaged in the learning process and used their research skills in their projects.
