Rainy Day Mondays don’t always get you down!
Monday morning’s downpour was on my mind. As I drove to work in a heavy rain, I found myself singing aloud one of my favorite Carpenters’ songs (yes, I like the Carpenters). “Hanging around. Nothing to do but frown. Rainy days and Monday’s always get me down.”
An interesting natural phenomenon occurs at Springer when we get so much rain in a short period of time. The tan bark area under the swings tends to flood. The resulting massive puddle has been named “Lake Springer” by our students. While students are compliant with our plea not to go into Lake Springer, they can’t help but gather around the play structure to observe our new, yet temporary, geological addition. Both at recess and lunch, children flock to see the giant puddle.
I stand around them making sure no one falls in Lake Springer. On Monday at recess, I put on my sociologist hat and observed the students. What occurred was fascinating and enthralling to me. The students, of various grade levels, on their own, began to problem solve. The call came out, “let’s drain Lake Springer!” Working together, the students used various tools (water bottles, pieces of wood, and even a discarded soccer shin guard) to move water towards the corner of the tan bark area. A small team of students dug a trench to the drain the water out of area. The project couldn’t possibly be completed by the end of recess, so they were out there again at lunch to continue the job.
To see about 30 students, of various ages, collaborating on a “real world” problem was thrilling for me. They communicated effectively with each other, listening to each other’s suggestions and trying different techniques. Critical thinking and creativity was being activated. The group’s focus on the goal was steadfast. And as they saw their work achieving their desired outcome, they celebrated together. Sure, it was recess play. But to me, it was so much more. That rainy day Monday certainly did NOT get me down!
Have a great weekend.
Wade Spenader- Principal