First graders at SFCH’s Loving School soared to new heights when they worked together to build the school’s tallest balloon tower—standing 88 inches high! Using only balloons, tape and their imaginations, Teacher Callie Hruby’s class took on the challenge of creating a tower that was not only tall but stable during a fun STEM activity.

Callie has led “STEM Wednesdays” every summer for the past seven years. She shared that these challenges are a great way to incorporate the skills students have practiced all year in the classroom, therapy, speech and the units.

“I started doing this as a fun summer activity,” she said. “These activities have helped build their tolerance for frustration, communication, problem-solving skills, and sometimes, conflict resolution.”

During the build, Callie noticed her students having strong problem-solving conversations, including:

• “Let’s try putting the bigger balloons at the bottom so it doesn’t fall.”
• “We need a big piece of tape here—it’s leaning over too far.”
• “Ours is tall, but theirs is really straight. Maybe we can learn from that!”

After everyone completed their towers, each team presented to the class. Students shared reflections such as:

• “I was getting frustrated with my partner, but then I talked to him, and we worked it out.”
• “Next time, we’d use smaller balloons at the top, so it doesn’t tip.”
• “I like how they made their tower—it’s so tall!”
• “We made it work by listening to each other and not giving up.”

“Pride is the best word to describe how I feel,” said Callie. “Each team worked really hard on their towers, and I saw some great problem-solving and persistence. We couldn’t be prouder of their growth and teamwork!”

Fantastic work, Loving School first graders! Keep lifting each other up to reach new heights.