Making the dream work

Yesterday, the fourth grade talked about the importance of teamwork.
 

Today, they put it their ideas into practice.
 

Each student was given one of four objects - either a piece of string, a paper plate, a pair of chopsticks or a plastic cup - and the challenge to come up with an unconventional use for the object.
 

Then they came together in groups of four and collaborated on designs that used all four items.
 

It involved writing.
 

It involved drawing.
 

It involved a lot of talking and even more listening.
 

In the end, each team had come up with a design they all agreed on.
 

And all twelve designs were different: there was a parachute, a pencil holder, a pair of training chopsticks, a spatula, a water pulley, a trophy display, a place setting, a musical instrument, a shield, a souped-up ping pong paddle, a zip line for LEGOs, a bag that holds water, and a broken clock that is right twice a day (9:05am).
 

The results were a triumph of imagination, but also of cooperation.
 

In the concluding check in, students admitted that some parts of the process went better than others.
 

But no one complained about their original ideas not being used.
 

And all agreed that the team made everyone’s ideas better.

 

Gordon's Lower School program is supported by the Gordon Fund.