Zoar River Rapids

� The Endless Caverns � Lesson Plan 2

Zoar River Rapids

Introduction: Figley and his friends went for a thrilling and terrifying ride on the Zoar River through the pitch-blackness of the Endless Caverns while trying to avoid any obstacles. This community-building lesson teaches students the importance of clear communication as they work to lead their blindfolded partners through their own version of the Zoar River rapids in a classroom obstacle course. Academic Standard: 1.  Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts Standards:

Speaking and Listening: Grade 1 2.  SL.1.1. Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about

grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. 3.  Follow agreed upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care,

speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion). 4.  Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others

through multiple exchanges. 5.  Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under

discussion. 6.  SL.1.3. Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to

gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood. Social/Emotional Concept: Self Confidence Teaching the Standard: 1.  Create the obstacle course in a large enough area to accommodate your class.

Find objects to serve as obstacles (cones, beanbags, etc.). Spread the obstacles all over the playing area so it is fairly covered. If possible, try to design it in the shape of a flowing river with some bends in it. Divide the class into pairs before conducting the activity.

2.  Read chapter 4 of Figley and the Endless Caverns. Ask students what made the ride down the rapids so terrifying for the characters. There are many reasons, but in particular, they were in pitch-blackness and could not see anything including debris, rocks, and stalactites. Ask students if they have even had to move around in the dark when they couldn’t see. Allow students to share some of their stories. Finally, tell students that they are going to work with partners to navigate the class version of the Zoar River rapids.

Zoar River Rapids, The Endless Caverns, Lesson Plan 2

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3.  Show students the course and then ask them to brainstorm strategies that might help them successfully guide their partners through it. List these suggestions on chart paper (SL.1.1.). Highlight any key ideas related to good communication. If students do not bring it up, raise the issue of what happens when the blindfolded partner does not understand a direction (SL.1.3).

Practice the Process: After the discussion of communication strategies, divide the group into their pairs and explain the activity. Zoar River Rapids Challenge: 1.  The blindfolded partner stands on one side of the course and the guiding

partner stands on the opposite side. 2.  Before navigating the course, the blindfolded partner is turned around 3 times. 3.  When the blindfolded partner is ready, the guiding partner will begin giving

instructions to help him or her cross the obstacle course without touching any of the obstacles.

4.  If the partner touches an obstacle, the teacher will acknowledge it, but they can continue on the journey.

5.  The journey ends when the partner is safely on the other side. 6.  Conduct the activity with the class. You can have one pair at a time go through

the course or have multiple pairs. Keep in mind that it’s extra challenging when multiple voices are giving directions. When all groups have had a turn, ask the partners switch roles and do it again.

7.  Have students sit in a circle and ask all students to think of one word that describes the activity they just did (Fun, scary, difficult, etc.). Go around the circle and have each student share his or her word. Based on the responses, ask the group why this activity was (use one of their words that described the activity as difficult) and list their suggestions on chart paper. Then ask them to think about what helped them to be successful and list these ideas on chart paper as well.

8.  Conclude by highlighting the importance of giving clear directions and asking clarifying questions (SL.1.1 and SL.1.3).

Assessment: 1.  Create a simple matrix with the list of students’ names in one column. Then

label a second column with SL1.1 and a third column with SL1.2. As students are participating in the activity, check off or make notes when each student demonstrates either of the two standards.

2.  Additional notes can be taken following the concluding discussion as children reflect upon their experience with the activity.

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Zoar River Rapids

Zoar River Rapids, The Endless Caverns, Lesson Plan 2

Celebrations of Achievement: If time allows, have a small awards ceremony for students to present their Mutasia Certificate of Achievement for completing the Zoar River Rapids Challenge. Ancillary Items: 1.  Page 4: Certificate of Achievement Template 2.  Page 5: Standards Matrix Supply List: 1.  Objects to serve as obstacles (cones, beanbags, etc.) 2.  Blindfolds 3.  Chart paper and pens

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Zoar River Rapids

Zoar River Rapids, The Endless Caverns, Lesson Plan 2

Zoar River Rapids, The Endless Caverns, Lesson Plan 2

Zoar River Rapids, The Endless Caverns, Lesson Plan 2

Standards 1.  SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about

grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. Follow agreed upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion). Build on other’s talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges. Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.

2.  SL.1.3: Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood.

Student Name SL.1.1 SL.1.3