By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Folktales came to life recently for Union City Elementary School first graders.
Having finished their first Knowledge unit entitled ‘Fables and Folktales,’ students in eight first-grade classes enjoyed an afternoon competing in the ‘Fable Olympics’ around the UCES campus.
Classes across the hall from each other competed against one another, and activities were based on a fable or folktale read throughout the lesson.
Among the activities were:
- The Maid and the Milk Pail: Students were challenged to balance pails with ‘milk’ (cotton balls) on their heads and negotiate the distance from one cone to another as quickly as possible. If they spilled their ‘milk,’ they had to pick it up and put it back in the pail to continue. They were not allowed to touch the pail with their hands. The class with the most students to cross the finish line within five minutes won.
- The Goose and the Golden Egg: Students were directed to transfer eggs from the ‘nest’ to the basket by balancing the egg on a spoon. The class with the most eggs won.
- The Fox and the Grapes: Students jumped to try and touch the bunch of grapes on the wall. If they could touch the grape, they got a point.
- The Tale of Peter Rabbit: A few students were chosen to be “Mr. McGregor” and given a pool noodle to tag the rest of the students who were the ‘bunnies.’ If Mr. McGregor tagged a bunny, they were frozen until another bunny tagged them.
“The students had an amazing time getting to run and cheer on their classmates outside, and that really made the learning a hands-on experience,” said teacher Angie Conley, who organized the competition with fellow teacher Taylor Escue. “It was a great way for students and teachers to celebrate the end of their first unit.
“We hope to continue to provide engaging learning experiences throughout the year. We are looking forward to our next unit, The Body System, and the hands-on activities and Doctor Day to celebrate the end of unit 2.”