Valley Pre-School’s Imagination Platform

At Valley Pre-School, Imagination Takes Flight

A ship sailing on the high seas of adventure, a stage for an encore performance of Three Billy Goats Gruff,  the venue for a parade to top all parades, a platform for a musical concert, the foundation for the building of a house or a castle this is what Valley Pre-School was looking for when they applied for a grant from the Granby Education Foundation to facilitate the building of their "Imagination Platform".

Rather than replacing an old playscape structure with another piece of static
equipment, the intention of the teachers at Valley was to create something that would allow the children's boundless imaginations to take flight.

On Saturday, February 16th, organized by teacher Christie Goldman, the project was completed in a matter of hours, with the help of Preferred Plumbing, alumni Brent Goldman, and current parent Jesse Lamb.  The need to remove feet of snow on the playground area where the building was to take place did not stop this dedicated group from their determination to make the Imagination Platform a reality for the children and teachers of Valley Pre-School.

On the first day back from vacation, as the initial group of children ran onto the playground, the squeals of surprise and delight were a treasure to witness as they eagerly stepped up on the platform.  Immediately, there was a parade, then an ice show, and then dancing.  More shows were in the works as parents arrived at dismissal time.  The imaginations were already soaring and that is where the root of all learning begins.

There are plans to add musical instruments along with other"loose parts" to encourage exploration, teamwork, discovery, and adventure. This platform will serve the children as well as the school community in a myriad of ways.

The teachers are so appreciative of the support that they have received for this project.  Special thanks from all of Valley Pre-School - the teachers, parents, and children - go to the Granby Education Foundation for awarding a grant to fund the building of and supplies for the Imagination Platform.  huge thank you to Kim Becker for writing the grant and the building group for their dedication and expertise in turning the teachers' vision into reality.