Class Full of Climbers…
Since the start of Mighty Oak, we have wanted to provide our students with experiences. Experiences that expose them to new things, that get them out of Portland, out of their comfort zone. If we get them out of their comfort zone, then we get them into a state where they are forced to learn more about themselves and the world around them. That is why we have art classes and culinary classes and community service projects. It is why we like to get our kids out of the building to learn.
This week, Shawn and I wanted to share some of the things we enjoy with our eighth graders. So we took them rock climbing, tying it in with their science class, teaching about gravity and Newton’s laws in a fun and unique way. Then we took them to a nice restaurant owned by one of Shawn’s friends. They got to walk around the historic building, learn about the design choices that help create the atmosphere and get a tour of the kitchen.
Some of the students working on some climbing problems
It is fun to see them walk into these unfamiliar atmospheres and adapt and learn. Many people when first beginning to rock climb can be filled with fear as they get higher up the walls, their legs start shaking and they get frozen and come back down. To our surprise there wasn’t a single kid in our class that was hesitant or fearful to climb up the wall. They were flying up, laughing and enjoying the challenge of difficult problems. They looked like naturals. In the restaurant almost all of them tried the different foods that were offered, even if it wasn’t something that they may normally choose to eat, and they got to learn about new foods that they may enjoy. They were able to discover new things and learn in the process.
In Portland, we can sometimes get stuck in a bubble of the familiar things around us. The things that we are able to walk to, which unfortunately right now does not provide a nice sit down restaurant, or a fun way to exercise like rock climbing. It is these experiences that we are trying to provide to our students, we don’t want to just be able to explain these things in the classroom and let the kids live through our experiences vicariously; they need to experience too.
The kids at Lou Lou on Market
We want to provide these types of experiences to all of our students, if you have things in your life that you think would be great experiences for students to join in with, let us know. We would love to partner with people in offering our students experiences learning about various things in life in order to provide them a more well rounded learning journey. We want to introduce our students to things that life has to offer. You never know when you have a class full of climbers.
Ethan
NEW PORTLAND Map Shirts Available Now!!!
Our Newest shirt design is out now!!! It features a map of prominent streets with historical and significant buildings in our community. Stop by Porkland to pick yours up today. Or order online HERE
Design features St Cecilia Church, Shaheens, Jane Bros Hardware, The Portland Museum, the old Marine Hospital, and the Portland Community Center.
The Lady Lions Play their Next Game on 10/16!!!
The Lady Lion’s take on Landmark Academy on Monday 10/16. The game will take place at Landmark Academy and will begin at 4:30. The Lady Lion’s look to keep there winning streak alive.
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.