I wasn’t alone in this endeavour. I had a group of dedicated teachers alongside me, so I think the students rubbed off from our seriousness.

In regard to our processes, I think it’s the fact that we didn’t censor the students’ ideas much. After a discussion, they decided that that year’s theme would be Animals. I mean, it sounded a bit juvenile for the likes of us working adults, but we went ahead with it and helped them bring their various ideas to fruition.

We also entrusted a fourth grader to be the emcee for a Kahoot! game that was made available to all classes. I was like, geez putting my career on the line for someone who hasn’t been through any baptism of fire. But she was so good on the actual day of the celebration. Held the show together. I learnt that children have the capacity to surprise us when we don’t scrutinize their every move!