Our "Happy Place" By Mrs. Schuh

   Parks, a hospital, nature, reading nooks, and more were created to contribute to our collective "Happy Place!"  Before we could jump right in to a bonafide "Happy Place," we had some work to do!  As a class, we worked hard to discuss and agree on the following 'Ways We Want Our Class to Be." 

We support each other by listening and cooperation.  We like to say “You can do it!”

or “How can I help you?”

We value learning, creativity, and kindness.  We remember to “just be nice”

and use our manners.

We take responsibility to keep our selves and others safe.   We value being unique (different is good!).

We are a positive, happy, smiling, fun team that loves to explore!  We try to smile often, have fun,

and try new things!

     We created a "Happy Place" and allowed creativity, passion, and a little engineering to drive individual projects.  Students were inspired to create something  (anything that makes themselves and others happy) to contribute to our "Happy Place."  They were given a small LED light and "button battery" without directions on how to create their "light."  All students successfully created light and incorporated their light into their Happy Place project.  (Are you getting all these metaphors? :) They proudly let their lights shine!)
   As students presented their project to the class, they explained why their addition to the Happy Place was necessary.  Students learned about each others' passions (parks=nature, hospitals=helping others, etc.) and were very proud of the Happy Place they created as a team!