This week, our Grade 5 science and design students collaborated with students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 to identify areas for improvement in their classrooms.
When interviewing the Grade 2 students, the organization of books, balls, and headphones was a concern. They also wanted their iPad recharging stations to be more accessible. One second grader felt they needed better access to the shelves housing their backpacks—the space between the tables and the shelves was too narrow. Another suggestion was to create a quiet space within the classroom for the students who want to read.
While systems exist, there are end-user issues that could be solved with a little innovative thinking! Through the Problem Finder/Solvers Project, our Grade 5 students are developing their abilities to listen, identify issues, and devise solutions that benefit all students.
This collaborative and cross-grade-level initiative empowers our students to become agents of change, cultivates critical thinking skills, and instills a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning environment. Through collaboration and creativity, students learn to view challenges as opportunities and solutions.