Watching Someone Else's Work

Presentation

1
For the acted lesson, sit with one or two children. The partner works with a work at a table or on a mat.
2
Walk to the partner and say: 'May I watch?' The partner says: 'Yes.'
3
Sit next to the mat, fold your hands in your lap, and watch for a short time without touching.
4
Stand up, say 'Thank you,' and walk away. Point out to the children: 'I watched with my hands in my lap.'
5
Later, when a child comes close to another child's work, kneel beside them and say: 'Kai is working. You can watch.' Put your hands in your lap.
6
If the child reaches for the work, hold their hand softly and say: 'Kai's work. You can watch.' If the working child says no, help the watcher move away.
7
When the working child returns the work to the shelf, tell the watcher that the work is free.

The working child's reaction (moving the work away or saying no) and the adult's hand show when the watcher has come too close or touched the work.

The working child may say no to a watcher, and the adult supports that answer.