At Camp Miniwanca, Tiwi (not his real name), gathered the students in his group which included students from Radmoor and Stepping Stones, and asked them to form a circle. He asked them to get close to each other but not touch shoulders. He then asked them what would happen if he tripped or fell sideways. They all responded that the person next to him would support him or keep him from falling. They said he probably would not get very far in the fall because they were all so close together. He then asked them to take two steps back and he repeated what he said. They said that they could still get support if he fell but he would fall farther, they might even fall but there would be a person close enough to help them up. He then asked them to take two more steps back and proposed the same questions and statements to them. They all said they would all fall; there would be no support, they could not reach each other. He then gathered them all back into a group and they talked about what that experience represented. They classified the first circle in which they were all very close as a feeling of great safety. It is a place where you feel comfortable in your knowledge regarding what is going on around you but you are not really learning anything new. The second circle they classified as a safe place to try new things, learn new things and, that it was a safe place to fail. It was a place where you could make mistakes and fall but still know you were supported. It could be a bit uncomfortable and scary but you had the knowledge that you were safe. In the last circle, they said they had no support, that it would be hard to fail because they knew that no one would be able to help them. Tiwi said the goal of their time at camp and outside of camp would be the second ring. They talked about how trust and positive communication were vital. These are the reasons why I love taking the classroom to Camp Miniwanca. They foster an environment where it is a positive experience to fail and to keep trying. It is the same environment that we have in the classroom. It allows for great growth academically and personally. I always enjoy my time at camp and the time I am allowed to observe and interact with the students in a setting that is outside of Montessori Radmoor.
This week we have been frantically working on our preparations for International Night! Right now it looks like our classroom has had an explosion of art media. It always looks like this every year, the creative process is very messy and the end result is beautiful. Thank you to those of you who have been able to volunteer some time to come help students with their projects. They and I could not make their visions happen without your support.
After International night I will be sending out information regarding Biography Day. I am looking forward to starting on these preparations with the students.
As always, thank you for your support.
Ms. Christine & Ms. Sheena