It was at the height of pandemic learning that I had ventured through CODE resources from the Grounded in Space and Place Project. I loved the idea of having students reflect on how they feel, and how they move, when they walk through particular spaces and places within our school, and within the broader community.
Some student responses; Spark #1 was completed in their drama process journals. Eventually students collaborated and combined their responses, and performed them moving along the Thinking Path. Spark #2 was used to gather a list of spaces and places within the school, and eventually became the settings for their place based performances.
Scope out the Members-Only "Going in Feet First, Grounded in Space and Place" resource here!
At the time, I selected a few sparks from the unit, and a few activities that would work well for my classes. Moving and performing on the Thinking Path via the “Going in Feet First” lesson proved to be quite challenging for my students. I welcome that challenge in our space. It allowed me to recognize that we could build even more community, that perhaps mindful movement was something my students needed more of.
Screenshots of some slides from the “Going in Feet First” lesson.
We graduated to reflecting on the areas of community, creativity and challenge within the building, from which formative place-based performances emerged.
It generated a good kind of hall traffic when it came time to perform in various places around the school: stories emerged in the cafeteria, gymnasium, outside washrooms, in stairwells, hallways, libraries, and in the Great Hall.
We ended the unit with an assessment called the Magic Walk: a reflection on a place outside of the building which evoked a feeling of “everyday magic” in them. They could share their magic walk in the style of a docudrama, a visual map, or even a performance. It was a great way to differentiate the assessment, and to build in student voice and choice!
It gets better every time I do it, as responsiveness to my particular group is key. And as I use the resource, I definitely take the bits and pieces that fit. With the right group, going step by step could be equally as meaningful. But we would love to hear from you! How do you use resources in your spaces and places? Have you incorporated any of our Grounded in Space and Place resources, or other CODE resources? Share your thoughts with us @ publications@code.on.ca