I want to share a beautiful experience that we had as a class today.  We did a team building activity outside on the field.  The class was divided into groups by grade level.  Each group was given 5 rubber mats.  The goal was to get each member of your group all the way across the field by only stepping on the mats.  If any member of your group stepped onto the grass, the whole group had to start over again.  I gave the groups a few minutes to come up with their strategy and then they began.  Each group came up with the exact same strategy for making it across the field.  They began moving across the field at a slow and steady pace.  The 5th grade group was the first to fall and had to go back to the beginning.  They had a good attitude about it, though, and worked together to make a great comeback.  The 4th grade team had a little bit of a struggle with some arguing and was the next group to fall and get sent back.  They tried again and made really good progress.  As I watched the 5th and 6th grade teams, I was so impressed by the way they were supporting and helping each other.  They were even helping students on the other teams!  When the 4th graders were close to halfway across the field, someone stumbled off of the mat and they had to start all over again.  Most of them rallied together and had a good attitude about it.  A few had a really difficult time.  Two even chose to quit and refused to participate.  Their group went ahead without them and kept on going, even though the other two groups were way ahead of them.  The 5th and 6th graders finished at almost exactly the same time.  They all cheered and celebrated and were so proud of their accomplishment!  Its what happened next that was really amazing.  After they celebrated for a few seconds, they all grabbed their mats and ran over to the 4th grade team and laid out a trail for them so that they could make it across.  As they made it to the front mat, someone was running up from behind with another mat for them the step on.  They were supporting and cheering for their classmates.  It was beautiful!  I nearly started crying and have teared up every time I shared the story with another teacher.  When everyone made it all the way across, we celebrated as a class.  I was so proud of them!  I turned around and looked at the two boys sitting at the opposite side of the field who decided to quit and I felt really bad for them.  I was sad that they missed out on being part of such an amazing experience that really bonded our class together.  I hope that we can continue to build our relationships and strengthen our class as a whole.  We have an amazing group of children!

Remember that there is no school on Monday.  Enjoy your long weekend!

Kirsten