Leadership
In Leadership, the students look forward to the team building games. Each week, a new student chooses the game that they will all play together. With the cold, wet weather, we have been staying inside the small math cabin. In order to play the favorite game of “Handshake”, the students have devised a way to make more space by placing one table on top of the other and adding all the benches and chairs. It works! They have become like a well-oiled machine as they work as a team to quickly, safely, and quietly make space – at least, that’s the goal.
Making the game space has also allowed for us to sit on the floor in a more intimate circle for our class meetings. As we begin our class meetings, I’ve allowed for all types of compliments in order to encourage and generate the giving of compliments with ease. The more the students acknowledge the positive that surrounds them, the more positive and productive the learning environment becomes. Students share a compliment or appreciation for one or more of their classmates. If they cannot think of one, I ask the group if anyone has a compliment for this person, and immediately a flurry of hands goes up.
We are in the process of learning about our individual learning styles. So far the students have filled out questionnaires that will help them determine their dispositions and their talent strengths. As we complete and record their individual responses, the students will be able to reflect on how they learn best, ways to support their learning, and to more readily see the differences and similarities between themselves and their peers.
The students also supported school wide events and needs by making signs and price grids for our Saturday CircOrchard performance, making posters for Crazy Hair Day, as well as signs reminding students to wash their hands.
I continue to be impressed with the way the students are carrying out the animal care chores from their knowledge of the animal needs to cooperating with their group to complete the chore list.
