A favorite beginning-of-the-school-year story is the introduction of the Rubik’s Cube in Grade 4. A tradition started more than 15 years ago by Ms. Haas, this classroom activity teaches students far more than just how to solve a puzzle.
At the start of the school year, Grade 4 teachers Ms. Haas and Mrs. Heizer give each student a Rubik’s Cube along with written instructions. There are no demonstrations; students receive only the cube, the guide, and encouragement to figure it out during free time. Students discover that solving the cube requires patience, focus, and persistence. With practice, they begin to make progress and eventually learn to solve the puzzle on their own.
Once a classmate solves the puzzle, that student begins to teach and encourage others. What starts as an individual challenge soon becomes a shared experience, building camaraderie and teamwork within the classroom.
The Rubik’s Cube is so popular among Grade 4 students that many enjoy solving it during recess. Watch for their annual presentation at an upcoming Greeting Meeting—you might be surprised by how fast they can solve it!