More Than the ABC's.....

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th

School is more than “reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic!” At St. James, we encourage, build, provide, and surround students with opportunities to grow not only academically, but spiritually and socially as well. One of the most wonderful traditions is our auction for families and friends. What makes this event unique is that each class either creates an item or experience to offer. The 7th grade class brainstormed on different items to make and decided on a Giant Jenga set. With the help of Mrs. Denise, students cut and sanded 54 blocks to prepare for staining. They then had the help of some sweet and crafty grandparents (Mr. & Mrs. Ayers) who taught them how to stain the blocks. The students decided to add a little twist and add fun facts to the game. They researched unusual trivia to add to their Jenga game and mod-podged the facts on the blocks! So, while they thought they were just getting to skip an ELA class and having fun, I knew they were literally building life skills with brainstorming, planning, executing, problem solving, cooperative learning, and communicating.

As Ben Franklin once said, 

“Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn”