To introduce these concepts, the 1/2 team had students participate in a multi-round, hands-on activity. In the first round, students worked in groups of three to four to build a house using classroom supplies. Each group was given a bag containing a unique variety of materials—no two bags contained the same exact materials and every bag was missing at least one type of material. Although all groups leaned into creative approaches, some groups still had more success than others. Across the different classrooms, similar ideas emerged: “I wish I could use your ____! Can I borrow it? Can we trade?” 

The second round of this activity built on their ideas. Each group received a new bag, this time filled with a variety of materials. The groups had a couple of minutes to assess their items, decide what they were willing to trade or lend, and list materials they were interested in acquiring. For five minutes, the groups engaged in negotiations like, “I’ll give you a popsicle stick for four pieces of tape!” Many groups were able to access the goods they were interested in, but still for some, products remained limited. 

This activity got students thinking about how different members of a community can contribute different things or in different ways. One of the many bridges between Quakerism and Progressive Education is a deep commitment and care for one’s community. As members of interconnected communities—families, schools, and neighborhoods—students explored the idea that we all share a responsibility to support one another.

These conversations also prompted students to consider how access to goods is not equal or available for everyone. This ignited a desire to help kids in their community who may not be getting some goods that we at FCS consider essential educational tools: books. Working together with Greenbelt Assistance in Living Program, the 1/2 classes organized a school book drive. Together, they collected over 875 books for children in their community.

To conclude this unit, in the coming weeks, students in 1/2 will participate in a barter simulation, where each small group will have a “stall” with an original product they created. As a group, they will make intentional strategic trades to acquire other goods to meet their needs and wants.