Listening and Teamwork

Today the 6th graders took a break from the classroom, but they learned some excellent lessons about listening, leadership, and teamwork while participating in a range of challenges and activities at Triple C Camp.

Here is one of the highlights from my day: During our final challenge this afternoon ("Sludge"), the group was struggling with figuring out how to transport, hands-free, an aluminum can filled with ping pong balls. They had tried a couple of different techniques without success, and some students were getting frustrated.

Zoë shared a suggestion for solving the challenge. Unfortunately, lots of people were talking and I don't think most of the other students heard her.

A few minutes later, Carter was working with a rope, and several students became enthusiastic about the technique he seemed to be developing. A couple of people shouted, "Carter's got a great idea!", and all eyes turned towards him.

Without hesitation, Carter spoke up: "I think this might work, but it wasn't my idea -- it was Zoë's."

After further discussion and planning, the group tried Zoë's idea... and it worked!

I really appreciated the way that Carter made sure that his classmate got the recognition she deserved, and the way that the entire group then worked together and solved the challenge. Very well done, ladies and gentlemen.

And here's a short clip of another of today's highlights ... 

the Flying Squirrel!