Bighorn news: Pumpkins and board games

STORYBOOK PUMPKINS

The annual tradition of transforming pumpkins into storybook characters has become a delightful and creative activity for third graders, blending literacy with hands-on art. This engaging project not only fosters creativity but also gives the students a chance to share about some of their favorite characters.

The idea behind storybook pumpkins is simple: students select their favorite book character and decorate a pumpkin to represent that character. This project allows children to express their artistic skills while deepening their connection to literature.

Once a character was chosen, students used paint, crafting materials and accessories to make the character come to life.

“I chose Fly Guy from Fly High Fly Guy and Buzz because I love the character and the adventures in the book,” Indie Sullivan said.

The project also meant family involvement.

“I talked to my mom about choosing Elf on the Shelf,” Harley Gomes said. “She thought it was a good choice. We then spray painted the pumpkins and got all the accessories, including lights.”

 Gomes especially enjoyed the project and wants there to be more like them for a couple of reasons.

“It was a fun-cool project. These are the projects we really want to keep doing in school. We got to be very creative,” Gomes said.

This project serves multiple educational purposes including literacy development, artistic expression, and teamwork and collaboration.

Families were invited to view students’ pumpkins on Thursday and hear the background behind each creation.

MONTANA-WESTERN VISITS CAMPUS

University of Montana Western representative Chrissy Stokes, spent Tuesday afternoon at the high school. Stokes shared with students the degree programs they offer and their nontraditional one-course-at-a-time structure

“Montana Western has a unique set up for students called Experience One. It focuses on immersive experiential learning that redefines the educational experience for students,” said Andy Lenon, high school counselor.

During a semester, students will complete four courses or "blocks," earning the same credit as they would in traditional university format.

“The innovative program allows students to concentrate on one course at a time, dedicating three hours each day for 18 days. This unique structure allows students to fully engage with the material before progressing to the next course,” he said.

The school has been popular with Oasis graduates.

“Our former Oasis students that are attending absolutely love the structure and are even more successful taking one class at a time. I wouldn't mind seeing more universities implementing the Experience One model,” Lenon said.

BOARD GAMES ELECTIVE

Oasis Academy Middle School offered a unique elective for middle school students this year. The popular Board Games class is taught by Mr. Dane Nott and has a full roster of students.

Critical thinking, problem-solving, math, teamwork, cooperation, patience, increased engagement, resilience, and stress relief are just part of the skills the 45-minute class offers to students.

Eighth-grader Leyton Anderson has enjoyed being in the class.

“I like board games,” he said. “It’s a nice way to socialize and kind of get to know my classmates.”

Students can choose from multiple games during the class period.

“My favorite so far is Monopoly, because it involves a couple things. It has money and math skills, and strategy is a big part of the game,” Anderson said.

Incorporating the board games class into the curriculum not only has supported academic learning but also nurtured vital social, emotional, and cognitive skills in students.

Playing board games fosters teamwork as students must collaborate to achieve common goals. This interaction helps build essential social skills like cooperation, turn-taking, and conflict resolution.

Students also must articulate strategies, negotiate, and listen actively, which enhances their verbal communication abilities. This can be especially beneficial for shy or reserved students.

The interactive nature of board games makes them an effective tool for fostering a collaborative and engaging learning atmosphere.