We interrupt our normally scheduled email with this important message. Fear not (or fear), Scott will return next week with his (un)usual snarky and slightly useless insights. We should also note, this email was comprised at an unreasonable hour, so please be forgiving if we missed dotting an "i" or crossing a "t."

Tonight, I received SIX calls from phone calls from frantic directors whose groups had HIT THE WALL, or as I call it, the October plateau.

You know what I'm talking about. We've all been there. You go to rehearsal each and every day, but nothing seems to be getting better. The kids are grumpy, the staff is even grumpier and you are scanning Monster.com for a new career. Sound familiar?

While their specific circumstances differed slightly, the callers were all looking for the same thing; a group activity that would lift their group out of the doldrums, rekindle their spirit, and remind them why this activity is so important.

As I put together my thoughts and ideas, it occurred to me that some of you might also be in need of a similar sort of thing.

So, I scrapped this weeks newsletter and decided to send you this video instead.

I want to share with you a very special activity I did with my students during difficult times called The Nut and Bolt. It was one of my favorite teaching traditions and I can't believe I waited this long to share it.

Should you decide to use it, you can show this video, or use a script that I am attaching. Fear not, no one needs to know this came from me. Take credit and enjoy the experience and the effect it has on you and your students.

If you decide to so this activity, just go to your local hardware store and purchase one bolts and three nuts for every student. It should be less than ten dollars as you can buy them in bulk.

I am also attaching a copy of my 50 quick ideas for sectional bonding. It comes from my first book Leadership Travel Guide. If you have questions about the activity or the documents, please feel free to contact me at any time.