‘Beautiful Oops’ Project Brings LS and MS Students Together for Cross-Divisional Learning

Lower School students in grade 1 spiritual practice and Middle School students in the grade 6 health and wellness rotation collaborated on a cross-divisional project as a result of an summer innovation grant. This unique project has proven to be more than just an exercise in creativity; it's a celebration of learning and mindful connection.

At the heart of this unit is the shared theme of the growth mindset, a concept that encourages embracing challenges. Both classes focused on a transformative mindset, understanding how it can be a powerful tool in their educational journeys. The exploration was enriched through the inspiring book Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg. The book, which illustrates how errors can become opportunities for creativity and learning, served as the inspiration for this unit.

The unit project provided grade 1 students with fresh perspective, and grade 6 students were provided an opportunity to develop creative skills and leadership experiences. Students participated on a "beautiful oops" project together, turning discarded materials and scraps of paper into stunning works of art. What started as potential waste was transformed into creative expressions, demonstrating how overlooked materials can be repurposed into something extraordinary. The project aligns with grade 1’s Global Goal of responsible consumption and production, which guides the grade’s experiential and service learning throughout the year.  

This project provided Lower and Middle School students with a hands-on lesson in creativity, but also fostered a deeper understanding of valuable principles.