Whenever I see the welcome sign in the garden, I remember the members of the RJL Fix-it Club, a group of fifth graders who worked together to fix garden items last year. I also feel a sense of regret, realizing that I could have done more to help them reach their full potential. This experience inspired me to create a new group this year called the “Mice Busters.”
Foundation of the RJL Fix-It Club
I have always wanted to create a learner-operated club focused on solving real-world problems. This desire led to the formation of the RJL Fix-It Club, which aims to promote hands-on learning experiences in our community.
When I noticed that the garden water nozzle frequently broke, I realized that creating a club to address this issue would provide a valuable opportunity to empower our learners.
I envisioned a club where members could not only learn about repair techniques but also experience the satisfaction that comes from contributing positively to their surroundings. This dual focus on education and community engagement was pivotal in shaping the club’s mission.
The article “RJL Fixing Club” outlines what the RJL Fix-it Club (which we renamed) is about.
Creating a garden welcome sign
The Fix-it Club began repairing broken nozzles and repaired a few, but we soon had trouble finding enough broken ones. So, we started to look for other items that needed fixing or could improve our garden.
Some members mended ripped garden gloves and a fabric compost bag, while others worked on repairing the flower garden fence and created a plan to fix the shed roof. One member proposed making a welcome sign and sketched a design for it, and we decided to move forward with the project.
As a Fix-it club, we wanted to use what we had instead of purchasing a new one, and we found an old garden sign hanging on the wall. We decided to paint this board to make our welcome sign. I searched the paint color options and let them choose one for the background color of the sign.
Our school has “Team Time”, a 50-minute class held every one to two weeks, dedicated to art, music, PE, and STEAM projects. The teachers were supportive and allowed the members to spend the time on this club activity.
On a sunny day in April, the members gathered to work on the creative project. They started by painting the background a light teal color, which would brighten the garden.
Over several days, some members spent recess to add various elements to the board, including colorful flowers, bees, butterflies, and even the Earth. The learners contributed their unique ideas, transforming the project into a collaborative masterpiece that showcased their imagination and teamwork.
Impact of the RJL Fix-It Club
The members of the Fix-it Club have engaged in various initiatives, ranging from fixing water nozzles to creating a welcoming sign for the garden. These efforts, which include garden maintenance and improvements, have enhanced our school community and allowed the learners to shape our environment.
The welcome sign, in particular, adds a cheerful touch to the garden and creates a friendly atmosphere. We have received numerous compliments from learners, teachers, and families about it. Although the Fix-it Club is small, I hope our efforts inspire other learners to explore the possibilities of designing and creating their own spaces.
Lessons Learned
1. Online Communication
Establishing an online group on Schoology, the school’s online communication system, was a significant step toward improving collaboration.
In general, in-person meetings primarily rely on spoken language, and the atmosphere can significantly affect the conversation. In contrast, online communication prioritizes the written word, giving participants more time to articulate their thoughts and reflect more deeply on the agenda.
However, because we had specific club meeting dates, I had been leaning towards in-person meetings, and we mainly discussed our projects during those times. I now believe online communication would be more effective for brainstorming and discussions.
I realized that before gathering in person, we need to dedicate more time to online discussions to clarify the decisions we will make during our meetings. Until then, we should pause on scheduling a meeting to avoid wasting time. Effectively utilizing online communication is crucial for enhancing collaboration.
2. Productive Discussions
Productive discussions are key to the success of our projects. It is crucial to clearly define the purpose of each discussion, whether in person or online. Without this clarity, discussions can quickly devolve into endless chatter.
3. Leadership
I envisioned this club as a space where learners could take charge of their own experiences by selecting the activities they wanted to pursue. However, I often found that their plans didn’t come to fruition. While the learners would come up with project ideas, they often struggled to figure out the next steps to make their ideas happen. This experience helped me understand when and how to step in and provide guidance to support them.
4. Culture
Using positive language enhances the culture within a group, particularly in online communication. It is essential to encourage learners to be mindful of their word choices from the outset. Even if a project idea is outstanding, interpersonal conflicts among team members can jeopardize its success. Teamwork can be challenging, so it is important to address these challenges proactively.
Thank you
Flexible Schedule
Our administrators and teachers were very supportive and flexible about managing time so that we could do this project during school hours. Engaging in this kind of activity at a public school is a privilege. I hope that we can dedicate more time working on projects like this in the future.
Next Step
In summary, the RJL Fix-It Club’s achievements have demonstrated a positive impact on the community through the meaningful projects undertaken by its members.
Leading a project-based club like this can be quite challenging. However, based on the reflections above, I want to utilize online communication effectively to create a platform that helps learners better realize their potential in the upcoming project, “Mice Busters.” This project, involving a group of fifth graders, aims to address rodent issues in our garden this year.
