Our final official meeting before furniture installation kicked off with energizing goofiness and much laughter as we began intentionally using energizers and "brain breaks" to help get bodies moving and minds happy. The first activity required quick thinking and a little psychic ability as we played Say the Same Thing. Though challenging, we had some fun matching words and hearing the weirdness emanating from other groups. Whether or not partners made many matches, everybody noticed feeling happy and energized in preparation for the evening ahead. | |
Once everybody was perked up, teachers shared their biggest hopes and fears for their new rooms, then discussed procedures they developed to ensure their success. They posted their favorite procedures on their portfolios for others to see. | |
Because this was the last chance to address questions and plan for the classrooms, we took a little time to revisit our need-to-knows. Like any good inquiry project, the more teachers learned, the more questions arose. It was satisfying to witness the movement of need-to-knows to the KNOW column, reflecting the work teachers have done over the last few months. Teachers left with answers to questions they need to know before the furniture comes, and when we get back together in April our focus will shift to instruction. |
After dinner, we took a little time for another intentional pick-me-up, and played 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. Though we felt a little silly shaking our arms and counting down, we had another opportunity to get our blood flowing to our brains and learned a quick, easy activity for when students need the same.
Once we were moving again, the teachers took time to revisit samples of furniture TMP coordinated for us. It became clear during the process that students and teachers would have to learn how to use and care for furniture with mechanical components they have never had before. Furniture now has levers to raise, lower, tilt, and lock, along with wheels and wobbles and all kinds of new features. This exploration was intended to help teachers further develop their routines around the care and use of this new furniture. Besides, who doesn't love to play with cool furniture? | |
The evening ended with viewing some videos shared on our collaborative resource, and Jamie had the idea to show students videos of how to use and rearrange furniture too. These videos helped teachers "see" how to manage and use furniture with students and led to more great ideas. We can't wait to see these ideas in action. The countdown is on!