Doing Our Part

The Herons really stepped up on Thursday at Squirrel-a-thon. Whatever needed to be done, they were there to do it. Often, they didn’t wait to be asked — they just saw something and did it. Whether it was getting wood for the fire, helping sell headbands, jumping in to help with face painting when the line got to long or volunteering to stamp more cups when we ran out, the Herons were there.

We had a conversation on Wednesday about the special Heron Squirrel-a-thon responsibilities . I work to coordinate what is going on on the plaza so I am rarely in the classroom. The Herons were allowed to be running the course, helping on the plaza or working in the classroom. That meant they had to manage their day. The work options were laid out on the table; Megan and Amy knew to keep an ear out — but whenever they stopped in, the Herons were “on task.”

whiteboard with schedule — Our Squirrel-a-thon schedule had official shifts – but most of the children helped throughout the day.

Most of the Herons spent most of the day helping. Even when they were running the course, they were working by encouraging others and cheering them on. It was great to see them step up and step into that leadership role. They took their work seriously and they knew that, without them, the day would not have had so much sparkle.

We do a lot of school service at Prairie Creek. Kids are expected to chip in and help when needed. We put chairs out (and take them down). We stack wood that has been donated. We support younger students’ learning. Often, students see things that need to be done and feel empowered to do the work (I watched a fifth grade boy pick up a few paper towels from the floor and throw them away on Friday, unaware that anyone might have seen him…) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched older kids at recess take some of their precious play time to check in with a younger child who seems upset.

When the Chickadees came upstairs with a bucket of rocks and asked us to paint them like food for the outdoor classroom, no one asked why we had to do it. The Herons jumped in excitedly — sharing ideas and asking if they could do some extras. (The Chickadees were thrilled with the results.)

I’ll continue to look for ways for the Herons to contribute to the school and the classroom. The Kestrels have care tasks they complete every day. The Meadowlarks care for our gardens. Having the students work to help the school and each other gives them a deep sense of ownership. The school is truly what they make it. It is theirs.