After the story and improv, we asked the students to make "gifts" for Santa using certain STEM toys. We had three different kinds of toys, so we separated the students into three groups and gave them the choice to work independently or as a small group. As this was the first time using these toys, I expected most students to work independently (and they did). What I was blow away by was the creativity that they applied to come up for gifts for Santa. We had everything from a vacuum robot to clean up after the elves, a scooter for Santa, to a device that would help Santa cut wrapping paper. I was able to walk around the room and talk with kids, but one of the best moments was when I sat down and started building with a couple of students and having them help me find solutions to how I would put a star on my Christmas tree. They were so eager to jump in and help! |