TLS Curriculum - Hula - Hoop Pass
This week we are working on working together as a team. The class started with an open discussion on the differences and similarities between a group and a team. Many of the students were unsure of how to define either of these terms while others just did not understand how there was any difference at all. After creating a chart defining the two, we played Hula Hoop Pass.
Hula - hoop pass requires everyone to participate. The students can either just work for themselves and only pay attention when it is their time to or they can choose to help each other out and provide encouragement to all of their classmates.
How it works: the class forms a circle, interlock hands (or puts another object between themselves and their partner), and as the name suggests, must pass the hula-hoop from one side of the circle all the way around to the other. This may seem like a simple task, but never judge a book by its cover.
The differences between each of the classes were interesting.
The first class to attempt the challenge was Ms. Jackson's 5th/6th grade. After providing thoughtful definitions of a group and a team, we started the challenge. The class was focused, everyone was engaged, and the encouragement that was provided was uplifting!
I was proud of the classmates working together as team.
The second class to complete the task was Ms. K's class. This class questioned the difference between a group and a team and believed that they were the same and could not be separated. They were skeptical of the definition but were excited to complete the hula-hoop pass challenge.
This class performed much differently than the other class. They were silent, little encouragement was provided, and more distractions arose. Rather than cheering their classmates on, these students decided to try the wave, working against the students who were trying to make their way around the hula-hoop. Irregardless, they completed the task.
They did not see any fault in their distracting wave movements. This turned into a conversation about different perspectives and not knowing those perspectives without communicating with the other members.
Lastly, Mr. Hupp's class completed the Hula-Hoop Pass challenge. Beforehand, as with the other classes, we defined a group and a team. In this class, there was conversation about teams working with sports and groups being other organizations, however, after we completed the task, the class had a different opinion.
I was shocked at the individuality within this challenge. The room was relatively silent and little encouragement was provided. At times, members laughed when someone did not know what to do. This led to a great conversation about working together as a team regardless of what your affiliation is. The classroom began to see that they are all after the same goal and that they are teammates and that they can help each other out. Of course, at all times, except on tests!
Lunch with 1st and 2nd grades
Each Tuesday and Wednesday I have special lunch groups with the first and second grades. Each time I take a different group of students and we have lunch in a quiet area and are able to have open conversations. This is just a time for the kids to talk to and express whats going on in their lives. Each week as the groups continue to change I learn a little bit more about the life of a 1st and 2nd grader.
Agriculture Club
Per usual, on Wednesday's we meet from noon to 1. As lunch begins to digest, we begin to learn more about plant life. This week we checked on the seeds we planted in the Greenhouse, finding only a few sprouts, and we also planted seeds inside under a lamp to see if they would grow better without the elements. Before our time ended of course we fed the rabbits.
Cooking Club -
To kickoff cooking club, I asked the girls what they would like to cook. Although I had a goal of cooking nutritious, quick, simple, and inexpensive meals, I also wanted to make sure they enjoyed the food as well. One of the requests were smoothies, so this week, we crossed one wish off of the list. The girls learned the different steps of measuring out the required ingredients as well as adding ingredients to add more flavors. We made a mixture of blueberry, banana, and peanut butter smoothies. This is definately one that will hit the books.
1st grade Crafts
Typically, I only spend my mornings with the first graders. They enhance their reading skills while I get listen to cool stories. I have a few "usual" students that read to me each day. Typically before they start to read, I ask how their lives are going and have a small conversation. One of these students has been requesting that I bring in a trophy so they can give it to their parents. I thought on this for a while, wondering how I was going to help this kid out, without leaving anyone out. I provided tips of where to buy one and how to make one, but they really wanted me to bring a trophy for them to give to their parents. After a week and half of continuously putting it off and thinking they would forget, I finally gave in after I knew this was going to continue to persist. I then did some quick research and asked the teacher for a favor. With some creativity, some supplies, and some love we were able to allow the entire first grade class to make their own trophy to give to someone special in their lives. The children had a blast creating these masterpieces out of solo cups, muffin cups, pipe cleaner wire, and tape. I was impressed with the creativity, love, and spunk put into each of these pieces of art.
Its been an eventful week with many many smiles. Each day brings me more and more joy. Have a good weekend all.
