March 25th - 29th
Grit & Hard-Work
Monday the 25th
What is something that you have worked really hard on this school year?
How does it make you feel to have put forth so much effort?
Tuesday the 26th
A few weeks ago, we watched a clip of Derek Redmond and his unstoppable grit in the 1992 Barcelona 400 meter race. What you might not know is who actually won the 400 meter Gold that year. Many people don't recollect because of Redmond's courageous display of grit when finishing the race. He was the name on most people's lips that year. Quincy Watts from the US was the Gold winner, and hardly anyone remembered.
Why do you think Derek's grit stole the show that year? What other character traits are more important that winning?
Wednesday the 27th
Have your students watch the video clip below.
Discussion Question:
Why do you have to be willing to work hard to show grit?
Thursday the 28th
Discussion Questions
What is one way that you could make someone else feel included today? (Not just new students)
Why is important to feel included?
Friday: Team Building
Zoom
Zoom is a classic classroom cooperative game that never seems to go out of style. Simply form students into a circle and give each a unique picture of an object, animal or whatever else suits your fancy. You begin a story that incorporates whatever happens to be on your assigned photo. The next student continues the story, incorporating their photo, and so on.
Skills: Communication; creative collaboration
Minefield
Another classic team-building game. Arrange some sort of obstacle course and divide students into teams. Students take turns navigating the “mine field” while blindfolded, with only their teammates to guide them. You can also require students to only use certain words or clues to make it challenging or content-area specific.
Skills: Communication; trust
The Worst-Case Scenario
Fabricate a scenario in which students would need to work together and solve problems to succeed, like being stranded on a deserted island or getting lost at sea. Ask them to work together to concoct a solution that ensures everyone arrives safely. You might ask them to come up with a list of 10 must-have items that would help them most, or a creative passage to safety. Encourage them to vote — everyone must agree to the final solution.