A conflicted erupted around Legos. After their initial reactions, Jamie and Sean realized they were interested building similar things, and Sean suggested “What if we work together?”. This strategy worked really well, and after a time Jamie told Sean, “You’re my best friend.”
A short while later, another student, Ken, began playing with some blocks that Jamie had been using but left unattended for a time. James, now holding a truck, wanted them back but Ken said “No.” Jamie suggested, “You can load your pieces onto my truck. We can work together.” This transformed the situation and the kids played successfully together.
It is amazing to watch kids of different ages learn from each other, and figure out strategies of collaboration to get what they really want: connection.