skate park

they were so cute with their helmets and knee pads!

This last Wednesday, I had one of the best days I've had yet with the 4th-6th graders at New Futures. I usually approach Monday and Wednesday afternoons with a bit more anticipation than other afternoons of the week. I've discovered that working with a large group of 4th-6th graders is just plain challenging. Even when a lesson has been successful, it doesn't seem like it has because of all that has surrounded it. I leave extra exhausted and beat. I really enjoy this age one on one or even in a group of three or so. But the energy these kiddos have together is just pretty intense. Needless to say, I find working with the 4th-6th graders generally much more challenging than the 1st-3rd graders.
This last Wednesday was pretty remarkable. We went on a field trip with the 4th-6th graders to a skate park. The kids were sooo excited. This field trip has been a request of there's and seeing it come to fruition was just wonderful for them.

love this genuine smile!

We were at the skatepark for about an hour an half and they kids had a blast. They were able to rent skateboards, scooters or rollerblades. Most of them started off with scooters (there was a limited supply of skateboards) and a few brave souls started with rollerblades. It was so fun to see them step up to the challenge. These kids were so brave trying new things.
For us adults it was pretty wonderful too. We couldn't actually pass into the skatepark itself, so we stood or sat just outside watching from a distance. The kids started off in the far corner, where we had no line of sight to what they were up to. It must of been so empowering for them to be over there, trying new things and figuring out what worked and what didn't without us adults reminding them to do this or that. It was also great for me :) Soon, the kids moved over to an area where we were just feet away. It felt pretty great that the kids wanted to be closer to us and show us what they were up to. I had fun taking pictures and also catching some videos that are just too funny!

The whole time there was super fun and entertaining! The kids left on cloud 9 and I left so happy to see this side of these guys. I hope we are able to go back to the skatepark again!

I hope you all had a great weekend :) Now, on to the week!