So, do you think learning is all fun and games? Well, sometimes it can be!
On Friday, our kids got to see and play some amazing “Games From Around The World,” a lyceum brought to town by our outstanding Hill City Arts Council. The presenter, Greg Kayler, demonstrated games played by children of different cultures, all while delivery a positive message of three B’s.
“Be kind,” he told his young audience. “Be healthy, and Be Active.” Those B’s were sure buzzing all during his presentation and throughout the day as kids and teachers repeated the catch phrases to each other.
The best part of his presentation, though, came after he had left the building. This presenter not only demonstrated games from around the world, he also sold much of the equipment he demonstrated. Our grade school teachers, always on the lookout for new kinesthetic cooperative learning experiences, pulled out their wallets and bought new equipment on the spot.
Recess that afternoon looked very different. We had groups of kids manning four person nets, playing net catch with over sized balls. We had others playing counting games with a fancy ball and windsock device called a “fox tail.”
But best of all, I saw kids working together, sharing, and putting into action Kayler’s three B’s.
After Mr. Kayler finished at both buildings, he returned to the grade school to fill any last minute orders. I saw him and wished him safe travels. He was on a tour of our state but would eventually be heading back to his home in Minnesota. He travels a lot of miles.
During our conversation, he repeatedly praised the students in our district. “This was one of the best groups I have ever worked with,” he told me. “If I ever was to move, I think I would like to live here. Your kids, your schools, and your town were just great all the way around.”
I’m paraphrasing, but it sums up his comments to me and to others in our building. The guy was genuinely impressed with Hill City, Kansas. His glowing review of our kids and of our community reminded me what a special place this is.
Our kids know how to show respect, know how to pay attention, know how to learn, even when the topic is all fun and games.
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