Crossing the Line
At Acton, we know learning is deepest and most memorable when experienced. This week learners journeyed through new terrain to explore boundaries, resources, and what happens when you are caught trespassing. Here’s a glimpse into their journey…
It’s Monday at 8:30am, the doors are shut between Spark and Discovery. All that divides the studios is one strip of orange tape, a border line. Each Guide announces “It has been declared that Spark and Discovery are separate countries. This orange tape divides your country’s territory and no citizen may cross the border line. Each country has valuable resources, controlled by each territory––Spark has the kitchen and access to the recess door while Discovery has the coat room, library, and bathrooms.” Learners quickly realized their restrictions and their power. “What are we going to do about our lunches in the kitchen?” “You mean we can’t pee?” “Yes! They’re going to starve!” “They can’t even get their coats!” The intensity, concern, and excitement in each studio was palpable as the Borders Game quickly took shape.
The rules of the game invite learners to negotiate their border line however negotiations can only be done by two country representatives along with one United Nations member (Guide). Learners looked around the room, some were nervous, others sat a little taller waiting to be nominated for the brave role of Representative—someone who communicates well, is a consistent leader, and who can remain calm in tough situations. Representatives were chosen and each listened to the concerns of their citizens. The list of top priorities was made and 4 representatives braved the neutral zone, the Art room, for the first Acton UN summit.
The meeting began with a firm Discovery learner stating “we want our lunches back!” The UN member clarified “are you requesting access to the kitchen or just your lunches back?” The representative repeated “lunches!” A Spark representative quickly responded, “we’ll give you back your lunches if you give us the bathrooms.” Negotiations were tough yet peaceful and ended with learners shaking hands and agreeing that any trespasser would lose 1 point and must do 10 jumping jacks. Following the meeting new colored tape border lines were drawn allowing Spark citizens safe passage to 1 bathroom, the coat room, and a box of bandaids while Discovery citizens gained access to the recess door, language cabinet, and were delivered their lunches. Although each side felt they had won in the moment, over the course of the last few days additional UN meetings occurred and territory and tape was consistently reevaluated.
Throughout the week it was amazing to witness learners vigilantly hold one another accountable, not just from opposing studios but within studios. The choice of one danger seeking learner to tip-toe the line effects all citizens and may jeopardize future country negotiations. Learning at Acton isn’t typical, learning is experienced through the process of high stakes decision making and critical problem solving. Sure this border game is fun but it’s also just one of the many ways that Acton prepares learners for real life and connects them to global issues.