Indoor and Outdoor Fun in Little Rock

Earlier this week, the fifth grade class embarked on its annual trip to the 4-H Arkansas Outdoor School outside of Little Rock. The students have looked forward to getting out of the usual routine and learning in a different environment--nature--and their time finally arrived. They worked on a variety of team-building challenges, from canoeing blindfolded to orienteering to crossing under a jump rope as a single group. The success of all of these activities rested on one element-- paying attention. Students learned that if they listen to instructions and to each other, giving each other a voice, they can accomplish their tasks well. We ended the afternoon with a rock climbing exercise, wherein students could climb a 40 foot rock wall, with their classmates manning the ropes as support. This, too, required listening to one another, and encouraging one another to keep going. 

Following our 4-H adventure, the class spent the next day exploring two museums in downtown Little Rock. They studied Arkansas pioneer history with a tour of historic homes and a visit to the blacksmith shop at the Historic Arkansas Museum. After lunch, students enjoyed a dry ice lab at the Museum of Discovery-- they worked in small groups to experiment. They literally had a blast, learning about sublimation! Overall, our Little Rock trip is a wonderful experience for 5th graders to learn and play outside the classroom.