The first week in Room 109 was interesting and very busy. Students participated in two team building activities: "Magic Carpet" and "Human Knot." The challenge for "Magic Carpet" is for the entire group to remain on the carpet as they flip it completely over to read the "flying instructions" on the bottom. Problem solving, cooperation and communication must happen for the group to complete the challenge. In "Human Knot" everyone crosses their wrists and then grabs one hand of two people across from them in the circle. You might think untangling a necklace chain is difficult, but try untangling fourteen fourth graders:)))!
Students went on to complete a "Big Paper" response activity - commenting, questioning and extending each others' thoughts in reference to the Swahili proverb: A boat doesn't go forward if each one is rowing his/her own way. They then worked in small groups to generate class norms which we will vote on next week.