Just as background - the Grade 7 English and French Immersion classes do not have any classes "together". They may know one another, pass each other in the hallways, some are friends and neighbours but, unbelievably, they have never really "worked" together. I understand they went to Kearney together in Grade 6. So today was interesting and "eye-opening" for many of us.
Some students are very comfortable in situations where trust is required. Others are learning. Some students can comfortably chat and "hang" with kids they know in passing. Some students are comfortable holding hands with each other to help balance, putting their arms around each other for support on structures that require balance, grabbing onto one another, cheering, laughing and sharing ideas. And other students are developing and learning as they go.
In the groups I visited, here are just a few of the things I heard:
"I'm getting frustrated. No one is listening to me. That's why I'm shouting at everyone. Why won't you listen to what I have to say? I'm important too!"
"My idea is so much better than yours. Listen to me!"
"I have a better strategy. Mine will work."
"Just take my hand. Put your arm around me and I'll help you balance."
"You won't fall. I have your back. Honestly, I'll catch you."
"I'm sorry for losing it! I really sounded mean. I'm sorry!"
"I need to develop more patience. I need to watch what I say to people. We ALL had good ideas."
"Guys! We need to work together. Why won't you listen to me?"
"I think we should all stop what we are doing and think about this. Everyone just stop yelling and look at what we're doing!"
"What's wrong with everyone? Why can't we do this?"
"ok, I'm the leader. I'm totally the best leader. Everyone listen to me."
"You're there! You're almost there! You can do it!"
"Slowly, one step at a time. Spot her. Someone spot her. Don't let her fall!"
"You're all talking at the same time. No one can hear me and I'm the leader!"
"Focus! Concentrate!"
"You better not make me get hurt!"
"That was awesome! I can't believe you guys actually did that!"
"You all started out so poorly and you all worked together to solve it. I never would have believed you could have done that!"
"Ms Vincent, we should get both Grade 7s together again! This is so much fun!"
"Why don't all the Grade 7s play together more often? Who IS that person anyway?"
"This is the best day I've ever had."
"I didn't have a favourite thing because everything was my favourite."
"Can we come back in the Spring?"
"Today was the BEST."
"We have to leave already? But we just got here! Can we sleep over?"
Ms Vincent says no.
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