In wellness we are using LEGO WeDo to learn about robots. We explored how robots are used to solve real-world problems, such as building cars, vacuuming floors and even collecting samples on another planet. We began by building our robots, called Milo the Science Rover. We learned how to tell our robots what to do, how to give it instructions, through code. Next, we are going to add sensors that will enable our robots to detect nearby objects (motion sensor) and where it is in space (tilt sensor). For more information, check out the following YouTube videos:
In wellness we are learning how to solve problems. This begins by identifying the size of the problem, as our response should match the problem size. Small problems are the most common, those we can fix on our own. Medium-size problems require some help from someone else - another student or an adult - but the need is not immediate. Large problems require help from an adult and right away. These problems usually involve unsafe situations. Next, students will learn and practice strategies for solving small problems.
In wellness I will present students with a problem that they must work in small groups to solve. They are told the problem, the parameters and a list of resources, often Legos (why not?). These challenges are fun and a great way for students to apply and hone important skills such as problem solving, collaboration and communication. Here are some challenges that your child can do at home:
Minifigure Transport Problem: Minifigure needs to get across the room. They are afraid of people (after all, compared to them we are HUGE!), so you cannot touch them. Your resources: Legos, rope and a pulley. Note: there are lots of different ways they could solve this problem, such as a zip line pictured above. Instead of a rope and pulley, you could give them rubber bands to create some kind of catapult. The options are endless! Whatever you have on hand will work. Allow your child to come up with the solution on their own. Trial and error, dealing with failed attempts are an important part of the process. Partner Build Problem: You must communicate using only your words. Partners sit back to back, each given the same Lego blocks. The first person has one minute to build something using the blocks. Next, he/she must explain to their partner how to build what they created. They will compare their work and switch roles. Note: for single child families YOU can be the partner! Debrief with questions such as: "What made this challenging?" "How did you feel when what you built did not match? What zone were you in?" and "What would make the task easier?" Building Challenges Use your supply of Legos to: build the tallest tower, a bridge that crosses a specified distance (i.e., between two tables) or that spans the farthest distance or can hold the most weight. Children can work on their own, with a partner or they could compete against each other. Legos as Models Have your child use their Legos to create models of known buildings or scenery: home, school, places they have traveled, amusement park, etc. They could recreate scenes or buildings from a book, show or movie. For other ideas, check out Lego Club Activity Ideas. The holiday season will be here soon and I imagine many of you have begun gift shopping. Each year the Mad River Interfaith Council provides us with Joys of the Season coupon booklets. Each booklet is worth $80 and the coupons can be spent like gift cards at stores in the Mad River/Waterbury area, such as The Collection, Bridgeside Books, and Clearwater Sports. If you would like a booklet - we can distribute one per child - please let me know. I can be reached at [email protected].
In wellness we explored one of the core transferable skills, citizenship. We defined community and used picture books to explore what it means to be a good citizen, including:
Looking for ways to spend the time at home with your family, perhaps a much-needed reprieve from the negativity that permeate the news and social media feeds? If so, check out the following options for games that are fun and build executive functioning skills. Most are available from Amazon.
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that including working memory, flexible thinking and self control. We use these skills every day to work, learn and manage daily life. It enables us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. It is the cognitive part of self regulation. Games to Improve Executive Functioning Skills Best Learning Games for Kids: Boost Their Executive Functioning Skills 8 Games That Can Improve Your Child's Executive Functioning Skills In wellness we read The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas. We learned that we can sort our feelings into categories based on how they feel in our bodies.
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Jason StevensonSchool Counselor - Avid Hiker - Reader - Lego Enthusiast Archives
January 2024
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