In preparation for Camp Orkila, we headed to the woods with our Synergo ropes-course facilitators and engaged in a high elements challenge, the Cat Walk. The element is a log suspended about 40 feet in the air and requires you to climb a ladder, giant tree staples, to scramble onto the log and potentially walk across it where you are lowered back to the ground. This challenge requires 10 people to assist you with belaying and 1 person to direct the belayers. Our 5th graders loved it! Each classmate made their own personal goal that was the appropriate level of challenge; some to complete the entire task, others to touch the log, and some to make up the ladder and to the staples.
The following day we watched video footage of themselves and their interactions. In reflecting on themselves, they created some class goals for the learning community. These include:
- Trust each other; be trustworthy
- Value silence; it welcomes quieter voices and offers time to think deeply about what is said
- Listen to understand, not just hear
- Honor each others' needs for success
In considering all of the adventures that the 5th graders will embark on this year, both in and out of your classroom, I am curious whether you each find it more challenging to trust yourselves or trust your classmates as you face risks.
ReplyDeleteGreat question! Now I'm curious too!
DeleteI'd love to know what you would do differently (if anything) if you had a second chance to try this challenge (both as a supporter of and the person in the active challenge).
ReplyDelete