All grades  Project 3 weeks

"Gaming Grannies and Granspas: Minds, Moves, and Mates!"

Brittany B
3.3.1
1.3.2
7.3.1
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

Students will engage in a meaningful learning experience by collaborating with the Durango Senior Center to explore the impact of games and social activities on senior citizens' mental and physical well-being. Through hands-on interactions, students will develop critical thinking and collaboration skills, while fostering empathy and understanding across generations. This project will culminate in a student-led game day event, where students will apply their learning and reflect on their experiences, deepening their understanding of community and the value of intergenerational relationships.

Learning goals

Students will develop positive social behaviors and inclusiveness through direct interaction with seniors during organized game days. They will enhance their ability to collaborate productively by actively listening and contributing to group activities. Critical thinking skills will be honed as students observe and analyze the impact of games on seniors' mental and physical health, using evidence from their experiences. Through reflective journaling, students will document changes in their perceptions and understanding, fostering a deeper connection with the community.
Standards
  • [Colorado] 3.3.1 - Demonstrate positive social behaviors during physical activity.
  • [Colorado] 1.3.2 - Follow the rules of an activity.
  • [Colorado] 7.3.1 - Demonstrate inclusiveness in and out of classroom settings.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create reflective journals documenting their interactions and insights gained from activities with seniors. By the end, they will collaboratively organize and host a game day at the Durango Senior Center, culminating in a presentation summarizing their observations on the impact of these activities on seniors' well-being. These products will demonstrate students' ability to engage meaningfully with community members and reflect on their learning experiences.

Launch

Students will begin the project by visiting the Durango Senior Center for an introductory session. During this visit, they will participate in a meet-and-greet with the seniors, engaging in simple icebreaker games to establish rapport and set the stage for future interactions. This initial meeting will help students understand the importance of their role in the project and spark curiosity about the benefits of games and social activities for seniors.

Exhibition

Students will organize a community event at the Durango Senior Center, showcasing their project outcomes. They will host a game day and puzzle activities, allowing seniors to participate and enjoy the benefits firsthand. After the event, students will present their reflective journals and observations, highlighting the impact of these activities on seniors' mental and physical health. This exhibition will foster intergenerational connections and provide students with an opportunity to share their learning journey with the community.