Fun and games translate to important life skills for freshmen
A group of freshmen grasped hands and contorted themselves into a “human knot.” Then they had to untangle themselves—without letting go.
Another group lined up on a jumbo balance board and had to step off one-by-one without tilting the platform. Some were blindfolded and others had to give careful instructions.
Imagine the delicate task of stacking a house of cards with a few friends. Now play the game with long hardware-store nails instead of cards and only one person can talk.
These were the scenes this week at our annual “Freshman Class Challenge Course,” a morning at Hahamongna Watershed Park designed to teach our girls teamwork, collaboration and communication skills while strengthening budding friendships as Mayfield sisters. Behind the fun and games, the students said the lessons were clear and relevant.
"We are learning how to work together.” said Lucy Martinez ’22. “Plus we're getting to be really close friends."
Julie Sanchez ’11, our freshman English teacher, said the event comes at a good time in the girls’ development as high school classmates. By now, she said, they are versed in classroom communication when editing a peer paper or explaining a physics problem.
“But when you take them out of class and put them in these situations where they really have communicate in non-conventional ways it really does teach them critical thinking skills,” Ms. Sanchez said. “They have to communicate with girls they really have not spent that much time with. But giving them these fun games in this beautiful setting gives them a chance to interact with new girls.”
One of the staff leaders explained why they couldn’t all talk during some games.
“When you take all the voices away, you have to concentrate,” he said. “It shows how listening really is a theme in working together.”
Piper West ’22 said she noticed another important virtue at play.
“Integrity,” she said. “A lot of the games require everyone to be very honest. If we mess up it shows who is honest and show us that we should be honest even when no one is looking.”
Sometimes the girls were uncomfortable—like when they were twisted in a knot. They felt discouraged when the nail stack repeatedly collapsed. And walking the balance board with 12 other people wasn’t easy.
Yet Nasim Afkhamnejad ’22 learned came away with a valuable lesson. "It's about never giving up no matter how frustrating things can get," she said.
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Freshman Challenge Course 2018
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
