WIN time focuses on critical thinking

Posted on: Dec 19, 2019


For sixth-graders at Delano Intermediate School, WIN (What I Need) time has provided an opportunity to not only get individualized help in math, reading and other subjects, but has also been a chance to build skills in other areas.

The WIN course is built into the schedule opposite specials like music, art or physical education classes. While it opens a door for students to get extra academic help during the school day, there are also group lessons and activities to make sure all have a meaningful task to accomplish, even if they are completely caught up with their other course work.

This year there are four main lesson themes within WIN, aside from the extra classroom help. The theme for September and October was to cultivate a growth mindset in students, challenging them to think outside the box and be open to learning new things. The second theme in November and December focuses on critical thinking. Themes after the new year will include cultural competency and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). 

“We are learning beneficial life skills,” said sixth-grade teacher Teresa Campbell, who designed the sixth-grade WIN lessons along with Tammy Wermager.

In mid-November, a challenge for students was to develop a game or activity that was accessible to all ages and that required participants to exhibit critical thinking skills. Examples of such skills included visual-spatial awareness, teamwork, memory, multi-tasking, strategy, emotional control, listening, etc. 

To accomplish that task, students created board games and card activities, as well as more kinetic options like mini basketball challenges connected to a game of memory.

“I’m a big fan of doing hands-on work,” said Campbell. “If you can learn something, and then apply it and demonstrate it, that is much more useful than just sitting there at your desk.”

The collaborative nature of the projects, which required students to create activities in groups of two or three rather than alone, was another opportunity for students to build skills in teamwork and compromise.

“We’ve seen some really good things and had some really cool conversations,” said Campbell. “I’m just so proud of them, how they have discussed it together as a group and made their decisions and followed through with creating something from scratch.”
 

Post Categories: Intermediate School