April 9, 2020
Over the past couple of weeks, TDS middle school students have been adjusting to their new distance learning routines and getting more comfortable. We’ve started adding some activities to get students interacting more and to bring back the community feel we love so much about TDS.
Each day, there are one or two club options for middle school students during their break times. Some of these are clubs that existed before, like Student Council or Dungeons and Dragons Club, but some are new additions, like a new Book Club, Art Club, and Lego Club! Some clubs are meant to get students moving during their morning break, like Jump Rope Club and Dance Club. We’ve been excited to see students participating in these virtual activities and having a new way to socialize and connect with their teachers and peers.
Another activity we’ve added is GooseChase. GooseChase is a scavenger hunt app where participants compete to complete missions and earn points. It features a stream where you can see other participants’ submissions and a leaderboard.
Each week, students will have four missions to complete. The missions will change, but we will always have these four categories:
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
[/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″]
I Spy: These missions will require students to get outside and find the item in question. They’ll submit a picture as “proof” that they have completed this mission. This week’s “I Spy” requires students to find an interesting piece of “yard art” in their neighborhood.[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_row][su_column size=”1/3″]Random Act of Kindness: These missions will require students to do something kind for a classmate, teacher, or family member. This week, students are posting compliments to a classmate![/su_column]
[su_column size=”2/3″]
[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_row]Selfie Challenge: These missions will require students to take a picture with something or while performing a certain task. This week, students took a selfie with their pets, or posted a picture of their “dream pet”![/su_row] [su_row][su_column size=”1/4″]
[/su_column][su_column size=”1/4″]
[/su_column][su_column size=”1/4″]
[/su_column][su_column size=”1/4″]
[/su_column][/su_row]
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]An Offline Activity: Each week, there will be an activity for students to complete offline. This week, they’re asked to play an offline game with their families, such as a board or card game, or a game outside.[/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″]
[/su_column][/su_row]
Next week, students will be “spying” plants in bloom, leaving a fun surprise for a family member, taking a selfie with the book they’re reading, and helping out in the kitchen! I’m excited to see all the new posts next week, including those from our teachers!
Emily McAllister
Middle School Director
