Today was a day of flexibility. While walking inside with the class in the morning, a Whittier student told me how they were really bummed because they were missing their favorite PE game today. Since we spent a few days this year using the SCAMPER brainstorm method to create new games and adapt old ones, we decided to put our thinking caps on and figure out how to play this favorite game... despite not having a parachute on hand. haha

We first tried to use a piece of scrap fabric, but it was too small. So then we decided to staple a bunch of scrap fabric together, which made the perfect "parachute." We cleared the tables out of the way, and the students determined the best set of rules for the game. We then played a practice round, discussed the pros and cons, adjusted the rules, and repeated this process a few more times.

While the students were at afternoon recess, I decided that it would be a shame to put an enormous piece of fabric and a cleared out room to waste, so I threw together a blanket fort for the students to use the rest of the day. 

In the afternoon, the students completed their final Basque culture lesson by learning to weave. The students learned the terms warp and weft. Some students were able to complete a drink coaster, which others ended with a small woven decoration. I was pleased to see the progression of tenacity the students have shown as each new textile challenge has been presented to them over the last few weeks. They are slowly but surely learning that it is okay to try new and difficult things! (It also helps when you get to weave inside a fun blanket fort!)

Our last GATE day for 1st grade is next week, Friday May 13th. Students are welcome to (but by no means required to) bring a special snack for themselves or to share with our class of 18 on that day. We have one student with a gluten-intolerance and dairy sensitivity.