As we kicked off February, our focus shifted to problem-solving and critical thinking—two essential skills that help students navigate challenges both on and off the court. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, our students learned the value of perseverance, creative problem-solving, and thinking critically about different situations.
Perseverance and the "Saving Sam" Challenge (2/3)
We started the week by discussing perseverance and what it means to push through obstacles, even when things get tough. Students learned about the real-life perseverance of Walt Disney and J.K. Rowling, who both overcame setbacks to achieve great success. They reflected on how they, too, can persevere through their own challenges.
To put their problem-solving skills to the test, students participated in the "Saving Sam" challenge. Their task was to use only two paperclips to help a gummy worm (Sam) get through a peach ring (his life jacket)—without using their hands. The challenge required creativity, patience, and teamwork. Some students quickly devised strategies, while others took multiple attempts before finding success. One standout, Kris, was able to complete the challenge quickly and helped coach his peers by giving clear, step-by-step instructions. The activity was both fun and a great lesson in persistence!
Thinking vs. Critical Thinking (2/5)
On Wednesday, students explored the concept of critical thinking. We discussed how thinking and critical thinking are different—critical thinking involves evaluating all aspects of a situation, considering different perspectives, and making informed decisions.
For their activity, students were presented with 15 US Coast Guard-approved survival items and had to rank them in order of importance in a life-or-death ocean survival scenario. They first worked individually, then partnered up, and finally had to justify their choices using specific criteria. Through this exercise, students realized that critical thinking requires analyzing multiple factors and not just going with their first instinct.
This first week of February was a great start to our problem-solving and critical-thinking theme. We’re excited to continue developing these essential life skills throughout the month!
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