Tal Carmel, 136 YinD
I once said that I love watching my students struggle because it leads to critical thinking.
I also love watching as they learn, adapt, and strategize without the need for constant guidance.
This week, I introduced my students to Capture the Flag– you know the game, two teams each hide and protect their flag from the other, while trying to capture the opposing team’s flag and bring it back to their own base.
As always, there was a learning curve. Many of my students have fairly short attention spans, so complex instructions need to be broken down and taught in doses. This means that the game won’t exactly be played accurately the first go-around…or two.
Inevitably, as I love to see, with each round, the students’ understanding of the game solidifies. That’s when the magic happens. What began as a “free-for-all” —with both teams running head first towards the encampment of the other— turns into a stand-off, with neither side wanting to forfeit a player to ‘jail’ in their pursuit of the coveted flag.
Watching my students devise a game plan and assign roles is the pinnacle of my work here. Setting them up to figure things out on their own and organize accordingly is one of the proudest moments for me.
Even if their English isn’t yet conversational, providing students the freedom and security to think critically and confidently express their leadership abilities is more than I could hope for. While I still value the struggle, I get no greater joy than watching them fully rise to the occasion and take ownership over their own experiences.
Sticky Rice 
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