Cat's Cradle

Today, when Ms. Leom went to pick up her fourth graders from lunch, she noticed two students playing "Cat's Cradle". It is a game, played with string. It brought back fond memories.

Sometimes, the best lesson, is the unplanned lesson!

When we returned to the room, it was time for Community. Ms. Leom pulled out some yarn, tied it into a loop, and demonstrated the basics of the game. Next, she gave pairs of students yarn, to try it themselves. Sometimes you have to fail a time or two to realize the challenges, so you know what to pay attention to when you hear the directions.

The room was abuzz as students encountered challenges, encouraged each other, laughed at the knots, and started over time and time again.

This is learning. Trying. Experiencing some knots. Asking for help. Trying again. Looking at what successful pairs are doing. Trying. Asking more specific questions. Celebrating small successes. Persistence matters. Laughing at your mistakes and trying again matters.

We are a work in progress. Several students asked for their own strings to take with them to practice.

Ok, Cat's Cradle is not a standard. It is not on the MCA Test. The learning process ... the joy of learning a new skill, the thrill of solving the problems, and fun in collaborating with others ... the persistance in working until you succeed at each step along the way ... these are the skills we use everyday to prepare for the "big tests". Sometimes, we just need to play with your learning to remember the steps for success.

Mrs. Mortenson even tried her "hand" at it

Ms. Leom thought there might be more pictures, but she was too busy walking around to the many pairs, answering questions, modeling the steps, encouraging, and enjoying her community of learners. This is an activity we will try again. The energy, effort, and enjoyment was too important to ignore.