Creating a Community

One of the things that we have been working on in class is TEAMWORK. In order to learn to work effectively as a group, the students must be placed in a variety of project groups. 

This past week in Social Studies, the kids have been working hard on creating their very own "Dream Community". They planned a suburb with houses, places of service, and places of entertainment. 

I stopped them often to coach them on problem solving strategies...how to LISTEN to one another, how to speak up and communicate your desires in a kind way, and how to compromise.

In the midst of disagreements and frustrations, they all came through with a beautiful community of their own. I was quite impressed to see how many overcame conflict and resolved issues by talking. 

Today, they finally got to present their city to the class. The following are the oral presentations for Snowflake City, Green Nature City, and Hidden Valley. Where would you want to live?

http://youtu.be/lQNEHeO8G64

http://youtu.be/bi0dAsQkFVY

http://youtu.be/S3HN4nTkb-Q