This lesson is called Save Fred! Fred’s boat has capsized and he needs the students’ help to get his life preserver on, which is under the boat. The students are given regular paper clips and they can only use those tools to help Fred. The surface of their desks is the ocean and Fred cannot fall in. This is a great team building and problem solving activity. The students collaboratively discuss and plan their rescue. After the mission the students review their plan and see where they could make changes or what ideas they could try again.
The students tend to discuss first and come up with a plan. They decide what role each team member plays and talk during the rescue mission. At times, some students need reminders not to “take over” the rescue and that the mission is a team effort.
I communicate with peers and adults, with growing confidence, using forms and strategies I have practiced.
I gather basic information I need for school tasks and for my own interests, and present it in ways I have learned. I am becoming an active listener; I ask questions and make connections. When I talk and work with peers, I express my ideas and encourage others to express theirs; I share roles and responsibilities. I recount and comment on events and experiences.