When the old playground was dismantled and the construction site for the new fancy playground was cordoned off for months our K-5 students surprised all adults. Their imagination as to how to repurpose the sloped field left teachers and parents speechless. With little guidance ever new relay races were invented, and a tiny village was constructed with sticks and leaves and populated with Happy Meal figures. Majority rule was needed to place the Long House in a certain spot. Amazingly, as there were three consecutive recess groups the one and only rule - you can add to the village but not remove anything someone else built- was honored by all. The new playground was opened. Still, the village survived.
I don't remember the why, but in 9th grade global studies we had to design a board game. The physical boards were unique and inventive and the game play for some was so clever. I remember really enjoying just seeing the product of people's imagination.
In 10th grade, the assignment was to deliver a speech about your favorite constitutional amendment. I have never laughed so hard while actually learning. The 3rd amendment is excellent source material for a stand up routine. Mr. Powers tried his best not to laugh but the hilarity surfaced and turned his face bright red.
When the old playground was dismantled and the construction site for the new fancy playground was cordoned off for months our K-5 students surprised all adults. Their imagination as to how to repurpose the sloped field left teachers and parents speechless. With little guidance ever new relay races were invented, and a tiny village was constructed with sticks and leaves and populated with Happy Meal figures. Majority rule was needed to place the Long House in a certain spot. Amazingly, as there were three consecutive recess groups the one and only rule - you can add to the village but not remove anything someone else built- was honored by all. The new playground was opened. Still, the village survived.
Let the kids make things!
I don't remember the why, but in 9th grade global studies we had to design a board game. The physical boards were unique and inventive and the game play for some was so clever. I remember really enjoying just seeing the product of people's imagination.
In 10th grade, the assignment was to deliver a speech about your favorite constitutional amendment. I have never laughed so hard while actually learning. The 3rd amendment is excellent source material for a stand up routine. Mr. Powers tried his best not to laugh but the hilarity surfaced and turned his face bright red.