Page 17 - FIS World JUne 2024

actions and planning for the exhibition with her
group mates.” The Grade 5 teachers agree that “the most enjoyable aspects of collaboration often center around teamwork and creativity. Working together with peers to brainstorm ideas, solve problems, and create projects allows students to
feel a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment.”
In designing and implementing the Grade 5 PYPX, FIS is acknowledging the value of collaboration and ensuring that students have begun to acquire the skills that make such endeavors successful.
Collaborative activities also provide opportunities for students to share their interests and talents, creating a sense of belonging and appreciation for each other's contributions. Engaging in group tasks that encourage innovation and exploration can be particularly enjoyable for students as they collaborate to bring their ideas to life and see the collective outcome of their efforts.
In order to boost the students’ confidence in embarking on this collaborative journey, I was invited to speak with Grade 5 in March before
their PYPX groups were announced. While we covered both effective speaking and listening and discussed how diversity is often a boon to productivity and creativity, we also addressed one of the most challenging aspects of group work: separating the idea from the person.
So often when people are engaged in group work, there is tremendous pressure on those who provide suggestions. If an idea is rejected, it can feel incredibly personal, which can arise from the unmeasured responses of peers. Hence, students are often reluctant to suggest proposals, and they ultimately disengage from the process.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to remind students that within a group, they should prepare themselves to confidently make suggestions, graciously accept if their ideas are not adopted and focus on considering the worthiness of an idea as separate from the worthiness of the group member putting forth the idea. In the end, the importance of the degree of acquaintance with group members recedes to the background while the power of shared inspiration and collaboration propels the group to ever more impressive and creative achievements.
Katie Thieme
FIS Parent, and the Grade 5 Team
Working together with peers to brainstorm ideas, solve problems, and create projects allows students to feel a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment
May 2024 FIS World 15