Category: We are creative thinkers.

A ball of modelling clay was provided to manipulate into an object that can float. After discovering a way of how to make it float, students were tasked with seeing how many teddy bears can sit on the boat before it sank. For such young children, what we were most impressed with was their ability to stay focussed with great determination to succeed and for such a long time. They showed such patience, perseverance, and critical thinking when provided with the challenge to make a dense object float.

The critical thinking skills that were demonstrated throughout were also truly brilliant. Wished every parent could have been there to witness their learning! Some used the inside of a bowl to form their boat. When that didn’t work, they tried it on the outside of the bowl. Other students believed that making sure their boat was dry was important so they used our sponges to dry it off each time. Then in order to try to hold more teddy bears, they exercised further critical thinking skills to experiment with the shape of their boats. The learning was so rich and students were so engaged and motivated. We felt so proud of how they self-regulated their emotions even though some of them weren’t successful until the very end. They kept trying and trying and demonstrated a never give up attitude.

Here were some reflections shared:

• I learned that when I take the clay and fold it up, it float.
• That the same object can sink and float. – Isla
• If you have too much water in the boat, then it will sink. – Sasha
• I learned to “never give up”. – Charlotte T.
• I learned that even if there’s little tiny holes, you will have to block the holes. It can be holes on the side but not on the bottom. – Mehr

Spontaneously, most unexpected student etched “I can think critically” on her floatie. Made us smile!

Core Competencies connection:

• I can show perseverance.
• I can try and try again.
• I can think critically.

Students, what did you think about this critical thinking activity? Please feel free to leave a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts!

It is always so interesting to see how students are provided with the same materials (heart tracer, pencil, paper, and pastels) but yet the art that is produced shows such uniqueness and creativity. We love how they chose their colours and personal design to make it their very own. They practiced their mindfulness and had a sense of calm as they coloured and rubbed their pastel to blend their colours. 

After their masterpieces were completed, we had a gallery walk so to speak where we showcased each artist’s work to receive compliments from classmates. We were so impressed with the way that they noticed people’s effort, effectiveness of colours chosen, and unique creativity through their art. The positive statements made others feel extra proud of their creative work. Some students actually didn’t feel that proud of their artwork for various reasons but after hearing such positive and genuine comments made about theirs, they began to see their own work as masterpieces. So heartwarming! We witnessed the true power of words.

Core Competency connection: 

• I can appreciate other people’s work.
• I can communicate my thoughts in a clear way.
• I can demonstrate my creative and artistic thinking through art.

This art was inspired by Jim Dine. Here is a sample of his work. What do you think of our artwork? How does it make you feel? Please feel free to leave a comment. Thank you!