Enrichments take many forms and have many different driving inspirations. Last Friday, it was "Kids Choice" and the request was to do something with marshmallows. And while building with marshmallows is an activity that we will likely revisit one day, that is not how we spent our time Friday.
Fridays are special because all the staff is at the school (rather than some being remote) and so we chose to have everyone participate. The kids broke up into groups that each included one part-time staff member. They were then given the following materials and instructions. Note: The instructions for the next step were only given after the previous step was completed. 😏
Step 1: Build a catapult in 4 minutes or less.
6 popsicle sticks, 8 pieces of string, 1 plastic spoon, 6 rubber bands (various sizes)
Step 2: Decorate plastic cups to look like characters in 8 minutes or less.
10 plastic cups, 4 pieces construction paper, 1 pair of scissors, 1 glue stick, assorted Sharpies
Step 3: Using only string and a rubber band (no hands may touch the cups), stack the cups in a pyramid in 2 min or less.
Use no additional materials.
Step 4: Knock down as many of your cups as possible using your catapult and marshmallow projectiles.
5 mini-marshmallows, 5 regular marshmallows
Hilarity ensued! 😂
This is a great example of ways that we bring STEAM and Project Based Learning into what we do. It is also a great opportunity for our young learners to see how the advanced mental flexibility they have while young can make such a big difference.
They also learned the difference between a catapult and a sling-shot, that the marshmallows didn't taste great 😳, and not to try to guess what came next. We also saw their creativity come out in spades, from their approaches to the tasks to their "character" ideas. But the best part was the joy. So much laughter and happiness was seen, felt, and heard by all.
The adults, for a few minutes, got to play like a kids again. They also got to lament and grumble that their own school experience never looked like that. Enrichments happening every day is one of the things that makes Kalexedy such a unique and wonderful experience.
Keep an eye out for Part 2. The kids are going to revisit these steps with their existing creations and see how they would improve upon them. The twist: each step will have half as much time!
Videos possible because of our brave Lead Teacher who was willing to put herself in the line of fire for the best possible perspective. She ducked and dodged multiple well-launched marshmallows.
Want to try it yourself? Download the instructions below and let us know how it goes!
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