In the wake of nearly two years of a global pandemic, the turn to in-person school, and the crazy pressure of Ms. Townsel’s class, we can all use a break. A little time to put down the phone; do something low and slow; reconnect with family and friends; and enjoy taking it just a little bit easier. In that spirit, and in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, you’ll work over the weeklong break to complete what I like to call The Slow Project.

Slow Project Requirements

By midnight Sunday, November 28, select and complete one of the following tasks:

1. Select a beloved family recipe, engage the services of your mom and/or a few family members (or dear friends), then shop for ingredients, prepare your recipe, and serve and eat your dish — all the while talking, laughing and engaging with family members. The catch? None of you are allowed to use your phones for the entire time it takes to obtain ingredients, cook, eat and clean up after your feast. When you’re done, click through and complete the project reflection Google form. It will send you back a copy of your response, which you’ll need for the upcoming debate and a future writing project. Remember, low, slow and technology free.
2. Identify a beloved relative, family friend or friend who lives far away, then find or make some special stationery and hand-write them a four-page letter –– recalling special memories, telling them how much you love them, outlining your hopes and dreams…whatever you’ve got. The catch? You have to put your phone away — far away, in another room, or give it to a parent or sibling. After it’s written, hand-address an envelope, find a stamp, and mail  your letter. When you’re done, click through and complete the project reflection Google form. It will send you back a copy of your response, which you’ll need for the upcoming debate and a future writing project. The last part, if you choose to write a letter? You have to call the recipient a week after you mail it, talk to them about the experience of writing and receiving the letter, and take notes of your call so you can use it as part of our upcoming debate. And remember, through it all, low, slow and technology free.
3.  Babysit a child  10 years or under — neighbor, relative or family friend — for at least half a day. The catch? No technology. For any part of it. Play in the backyard, go to the park, bust out the Monopoly set — but no videos, video games, or cell phones. You can bake a cake, write letters to Santa or make a game out of organizing the toy room — but you’re going to kick it old school while you do any or all of that.
4. Upgrade your bedroom, the place where you (should) spend the most time recharging. Disconnect, then spend the day cleaning out your closet, rearranging your bedroom, painting a picture for your wall — just DIY something, anything that will make your life better. You may play the good old-fashioned radio while you work, but don’t touch the cell phone, the TV or other high-tech distractors.
5. Plant a winter flower bed or container garden for your family to enjoy. Enlist a parent, sibling or friend; go lay in your soil, mulch and plants; then plan, plant and water your winter garden. And, since you don’t want your phone to get dirty, put it away for the entire time you work.
6. Buy fabric and a pattern, then cut, sew, iron and model your new, handmade addition to your wardrobe. And, again, you may listen to the radio as you work, but that’s it — no cell phone, no
7. Spend a day volunteering at a nursing home or senior citizen’s center, and do whatever’s needed — without your phone. Talk to the folks around you. Listen to their stories. Help them with some basic chores. Ask them what they need and like and, perhaps, consider becoming a regular volunteer.

Enjoy your low and slow project and, when you’re done, discuss the project in detail with a parent, guardian or good friend. Then, click through to this Google form and reflect and report back on your experience — and come ready to talk about it in class.

I hope you enjoy this experience AND your entire Thanksgiving break. See you Monday, 11.29, for Swift project presentations and Slow Thing discussions!