The first thing we did was brainstorm some ideas that leaders do. What does a leader look like, act like and sound like ideas. We made a poster with their ideas. We also made a poster of people who could be a leader. Of course, Kerry Simmonds, was mentioned as a leader to us. We specifically talked about what a leader like Kerry can do for us, someone we don't actually see every day, compared to someone like a teacher or a priest at church, for example. Both are very important and can help in various ways. Through our brainstorming lists, we realized that often the leaders in our lives help with different things we need. A coach is a leader with sports, a teacher is a leader with our education, a parent is a leader at home and a brother or sister can be a leader of a positive example, role model or someone to look up to.
We did a cutting and pasting activity matching situations to solutions a leader would do. Situations such as a friend has a hard time cutting and gluing a project, what can you do. We talked about a leader doesn't do the work for their friend, rather just helps or shows them how. What does a leader do when they see a bully? What does a leader do when tempted to do something naughty? and being a good example to stay focused on their work during school. The class did a great job identifying and coming up with solutions to be a leader.
The students did an activity to write and draw about someone they look up to. Many students took ideas from our brainstorming list and added details as to what makes that specific person in their live a leader. I asked them to add details about the characteristics of the leader and how it makes them feel to have this person in their live to depend on and rely on for help when needed. This paper says "Kerry is our leader. She fixes our problems."Students drew a basic picture of what a leader looks like, what they sound like and how they could be helpful. They then drew the opposite of examples of what a leader is not. I was impressed at the ideas and stretching themselves to come up with situations we had not yet discussed and write how they were being a leader.
I gave them a color book called, I am a leader. The concepts in this book are that a leader makes a plan, has the attitude of we can all win, work together, have fun, leaders listen, setting priorities, and being proactive. We had a class discussion about what all these things meant before coloring. It was a lovely relaxing time for them to chat with their friends and color. I heard many discussions
about times when they were leaders in these areas while coloring. I love when they just spontaneously have conversations on the topic you would have wanted without having to ask. What good leaders they are.
We watched several videos of blind Paraolympians running with a guide. The students absolutely loved this. We watched the same clips several times, as they kept asking for them again. It was amazing to see how perfectly together they had to run, completely in sync. The guide lead them through getting set up for the race, where to put their feet and hands, and then ran with perfect synchronized strides through the race. The class was amazed how they could run with their hands or wrists strapped together. We thought that the guide and the blind person were probably good friends and had good communication with each other. These became very obvious leadership skills that are so important for a outstanding leader.
We read the book Swimmy, by Leo Lionni. In the book, the black fish doesn't want to hide in fear or hang out in the dark shadows hiding in fear of being eaten. He asks the group of fish to all swim together like the biggest fish in the sea. They organize themselves in the shape of a fish and the black fish says he will be the eye. Together, they swam in the water and chased the big fish away. The students really could see the black fish being a leader. I had the students use one color of paint and use fish shaped sponges to paint the fish. Then we used black paint to put on the eye. They turned out really cute.
The last thing we did was an object lesson. I had some stretchy fabric I cut into strips to be blindfolds. Students paired up with a friend and we went to the gym. I put some small cones around the gym to walk between. Students took turns guiding their blindfolded friend around the gym. It was really neat to see them be kind and caring leaders, walking slowly and having compassion for the blind person. Many were holding at the elbow so they were very secure together. I thought they did a great job with this activity. We watched the videos of the Parolympic runners first. After we were done in the gym, we talked about how it felt to not see and depend on their leader to guide them around. What would happen if the leader was not doing their job? The blind person really depended on them to be honest, focused and dependable.
Many students wanted to try again at recess and would hold their friend's hand and just close their eyes, leading them around the playground. The other class wondered what they were doing and wanted a turn. I heard some kids explaining that you have to be a good leader and know what that means before you can just do this. It was really funny and true as well. It was great to see the kindergarten students teaching other students how to be leaders.
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