Orchard Team Strive Creates Lanyards, Builds Essential Skills

Students in the Intensive Resource classroom at Orchard Middle School, known as "Team STRIVE," have been busy creating colorful beaded lanyards and keychains as part of a multi-faceted learning project that combines academics, fine motor development, and social skills practice.

The project, which culminated in a special lanyard giveaway for teachers and staff during staff appreciation week, allowed students to apply mathematical concepts, language arts standards and social communication skills, as well as kindness, in a hands-on, meaningful way.

Behind this creative project lies a rich educational framework. Students worked on mathematics standards, including pattern extension and statistical concepts. In fact, the lanyard project created an authentic context for students to explore statistical questions - those that have different answers from different people, require a group of answers and involve collecting data.

For example, students identified the difference between statistical and non-statistical questions. The project also incorporated occupational therapy goals focused on fine motor development as students carefully manipulated small beads and coordinated complex movements. Language arts, speech and social skills were applied when students communicated with teachers during the giveaway, practicing appropriate social conventions and navigating the nuances of social interactions.

"We had a blast making these lanyards. This type of integrated learning activity exemplifies our commitment to providing meaningful educational experiences that connect to real-world applications," said Sierra Gebler, Team Strive teacher. "When students can see the purpose behind what they're learning, engagement and retention dramatically increase."

The lanyard project demonstrated how Team STRIVE students are developing valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom - from following multi-step processes to engaging in social interactions that build confidence and independence.

For more photos, read the May 2025 issue of Know Your Schools.