G.R.I.T Day Success!

Today, students worked together with the Partner Families to reach outside their comfort zone and think outside the box.  Students participated in a variety of activities that helped them see the potential in trying new things and embracing the nervousness that may come with events that are foreign to our comfort zone.

Our G.R.I.T Day started out with a natural activity that taught us - no matter how prepared we can be we have to always be prepared for anything.  This morning's unexpected moment occurred in the fashion of a school wide fire drill.  When the alarms sounded, we were amazed at how calmly the students moved to the front door to evacuate the building.  The Iowa City firefighters were amazed at how calmly our students maneuvered to our waiting spot near the garden and how smooth this fire drill went.  It was the perfect introduction to being flexible.

Upon our return into school, G.R.I.T Day was underway and the students were excited to hear about the four stations they would visit throughout the morning.  Each station tested children's senses and ability to overcome fear, frustration, nervousness, and the unknown.  I was thrilled at how eager our students were to try something new.  Enjoy the pictures below from each of our G.R.I.T Day stations.

Station 1 - Balance:
Karen, Meridith, and Ruth helped students practice moving calmly to help with balancing activities.  Students maneuvered through a variety of moves on the balance beam and practiced moving their bodies into "tripod pose" and then into a handstand.

Station 2 - Touch and Sound:

Debbie, Katherine, and Rachel helped students reach out and embrace things that were sticky, slimy, creepy and crawly.  Students were given the opportunity to reach into feely boxes to try and identify different objects just by touch.  Students also had the chance to experience touching and holding a Hissing Cockroach.  It's sticky legs and tickly antennae made us all nervous but there was a sense of pride and accomplishment when, upon holding the cockroach, students realized that it wasn't quite as scary as they originally thought.

Station 3 - Taste:

With Lou and Megan, students were then given the chance to try exotic foods that both sounded and looked different.  Students could choose from four foods including:  dragon fruit, red bananas, lemon melons, and dates.  I was most thrilled to watch and observe students' eagerness to try multiple food choices.  Teachers even got in on the activities.  I enjoyed trying new things along with the students - holding the Hissing Cockroach made me nervous, but trying the different foods made me even more nervous. The students were thrilled to see teachers experience the same nervous feelings as they did.  They were encouraging in the moment and were excited to experience new challenges alongside us.

Station 4 - Fine Motor / Drawing Practice

In the Scholars' Studio, with Ryan and Eve, students practice paying attention to detail as they used both their dominant and non dominant hand to write and draw.  Through the exercise, students learned that students who experienced the best outcome were the students who practiced over and over and over again.  Mr. Ryan's art lesson required patience, practice, and concentration.  Students were determined to do their best and practice and work until they experienced success.

At the end of our morning, Willowwind students answered four questions as they reflected about their experiences with the four activities.

How did I Grow?

What did I Risk?

How did I Improve?

What did I Try?

Take a look at our answers posted on the front wall of the GD Space.

Our post G.R.I.T Day discussion focused on self-discipline, perseverance, facing adversity, and pushing through feelings of nervousness.  Through G.R.I.T Day, and other personal experiences, students realized that facing uncomfortable feelings and using them to succeed creates feelings of happiness, excitement, and pride.  At the end of the day, students reflected on their feelings before and after a G.R.I.T Day exercise and then explained what they could do the next time they felt challenged.

I am thrilled at today's success.  The students had a blast and it was a day full of learning and growth. Thank you so very much for your positive support and encouragement.  The feedback we have received regarding our grit focus has been overwhelmingly positive.  Your emails, comments, kind words, and links to further information means so very much to us.  We are so thrilled at what we have already accomplished in our first few weeks together and eager to see what the rest of the year (and beyond) holds.  What did you do to be "gritty" today?  Have a great weekend!