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Activity Day at Red Lake Elementary combines education and entertainment

RED LAKE-An edutainment park popped up Wednesday next to the Red Lake Elementary School where students took a break from the classroom for the 11th annual Activity Day.

Children in kindergarten through fifth-grade visited 40 activity stations developed by Red Lake physical education instructors Angela Lauderbaugh and Denise Houle. Lauderbaugh, who teaches kindergartners, said Activity Day was created to help promote collaboration, communication and peacemaking. As students prepare for the end of the school year, they receive a fun final lesson.

"The activities we have are all community building, collaborative, team building, honoring each other," Lauderbaugh said.

Throughout the day teachers accompany their students to each station, and all 750 students have the opportunity to provide feedback. Lauderbaugh said there are favorites that stay each year, and there is always a new activity for the students.

Lauderbaugh described one of the activities, Trunk Team, as teaching students they are part of a community, like a herd of elephants. She said children learn they, like elephants, have to learn to do their part, respect and trust one another to succeed.

"It's just such a fun day for the kids," Lauderbaugh said. "It's why I teach."

Activity Day is in line with the school's responsive classroom platform. Responsive schools begin community building in the classroom, Lauderbaugh explained, by participating in activities, greetings and sharing on a daily basis.

"It's starting to build a community in the classroom, and it of course carries out into the school and into the community itself," Lauderbaugh said. "It's a lot of trust, respect, integrity, the seven teachings of the grandfathers."

The seven teachings of the grandfathers are: wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/3749392-activity-day-red-lake-elementary-combines-education-and-entertainment

 

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