As a back-to-school activity, I like to see how the students work in groups, how they problem solve, and how well they follow instructions. The class is divided into groups of four, with each group receiving six Solo cups (three arranged on the bottom and three on top) and a rubber band with four strings tied to it. Their objective is to move the cups from their present position to a pyramid structure with three cups on the bottom, two cups in the middle, and one on top. The catch is that the students are only allowed to touch the strings; they can’t touch the cups or the rubber band.
The group that finished first had to debrief with me. Brayden Parham said, “At first we were arguing, and everyone wanted to do it their own way. Then we chose a leader, and we all started working together. Once we cooperated, then it went well.” Observing another group that just couldn’t get it, he said, “They won’t get it because they are arguing and not working together.”
Great lesson for the first week, and I didn’t even have to tell it to them!
- Mrs. Thon, Fifth-Grade Teacher