Can we be like drops of water

Falling on the stone,

Splashing, breaking, dispersing in air

Weaker than the stone by far, but be aware

That as time goes by the rock will wear away. — Holly Near, singer/songwriter and activist

IN TODAY'S SESSION... we began talking about the power of water by learning how the Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon. We played games that involved the water power characteristics of flexibility and creativity, and worked to resolve scenarios in which two groups wanted opposing results.

EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. How does your family resolve differences, particularly when genuine needs conflict? In what ways have members of your family been flexible and creative in coming up with solutions for family issues in which different people wanted different things?

FAMILY GAME. We played Rocks vs. Water in class today. The goal of the game is for "Water" players to get past "Rock" players to the other side of the room without being tagged by a Rock. Rock players must sit on a cushion or carpet square, and not move from their location. These rock bases should be placed in a line across the room, with about 8 feet between the bases. You might wish to have only one family member be a Water player, while the rest are Rocks, or chose a narrow enough field of play that one or two Rocks have a chance to block the way without getting up from their base.

FAMILY ADVENTURE. Go on a family adventure to a river or creek. How has the river shaped the environment around it? What does the power of the water feel like when you put your hand in it? What does the power of the water feel like if you actually step out into the flow? How does the power of the water carry a stick or another floating object?