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This week students have continued activities involving getting to know each other better, practicing communication skills, and teamwork.
One activity, FIND SOMEONE WHO, involved finding classmates who could fill in specific squares on a handout. Another activity involved putting the students into groups according to the color of their clothes. Each individual of each group used their pointer finger to lift and lower a hula hoop, keeping it level. Each time the group succeeded, a member was removed until only two members remained. We had a good discussion about teamwork and students noted things can be better with help from others. Students had a short hula hoop competition, just for fun, after the activity! At the beginning of the last class this week, I asked students to make a list of things they can contribute to a group as well as things they believe they do well. Next, I asked the students to make a big circle around the room. I started the circle by saying I could be an encourager or cheerleader for a group. We went around the circle quickly as each student said one or two things they could add to a group. Of course I cheered them on all the way around! The most challenging activity of the week involved the Human Knot. I numbered the students off in groups of three. Students were instructed to get shoulder to shoulder in a group, reach across the circle and grab opposite hands of two different people. The boys weren't too excited to take a girl's hand but they didn't resist when the girls stepped up and took their hands! From there, the kids were on their own to "untie" the human knot without dropping hands. The smaller groups accomplished the tasks fairly quickly. I then put all the kids into one large group. The group was so large (over 20 kids) and the time was too short, making the activity unsuccessful as far as "untying" the knot. However, the kids tried hard, laughed often, and I was pleasantly surprised by two kids who stepped up as leaders. I will have them attempt it again in two groups next week and then in the larger group if they would like. The only problems we've had so far is a lack of time. The first few days of my Design Thinking class have been spent explaining the parental permission slip and student assent form and a brief overview of Design Thinking. The students have spent quality time interviewing and introducing each other after I paired them up by height. I believe the more the students know about each other, the more likely they will be successful together. Everyone seems to enjoy talking about themselves and each other. Everyone listened respectfully and were willing to be introduced to the group. It appears students are forming new bonds with each other. Students were also instructed to find someone who they were not sitting by and discover what they had in common and their differences.
After several months of researching and writing about Design Thinking, I will be developing a unit to incorporate into my curriculum. I will be observing my Pride Time (ASI/RTI) ASI class for this research. I have written parent permission and student assent forms. I have also submitted all my paperwork to my professors and the University of Florida IRB. I am excited and looking forward to a rewarding learning experience.
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Laurie Myers
University of Florida, graduate student. Archives
June 2013
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