|
 Sometimes, the way a lesson or project comes together can seem almost karmic.
For the first half of the year the 2nd grade teachers wrestled with the question: how to design a service project that is appropriate for 7- and 8-year-old children. To meet their goals, the teachers wanted a project that would truly help others, but would be developmentally appropriate, which means it would:
- give the children a personal connection
- be based on effort, not just money
- let the children see how their efforts were directly helping
- be hopeful, and not confront young children with the misery and horror the world is capable of producing
- kindle in the students a desire to help others, now and in the future
Many parents contributed ideas, and the teachers considered many options. But then, in December and early January, a series of seemingly unrelated activities dropped the perfect project into their laps.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Written by Janice and Kim S.
|
|
In an integrated SEL/Design Thinking project, the fifth graders, in teams and individually, created and committed to initiatives and projects for peacemaking and peace building. The student were so committed to their projects that many of them chose to devote many of their recesses to continuing their work. Here is a list of the overarching principles and corresponding projects.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
The fourth graders did a project to benefit Smile Train. Here is a video they made about the experience. |
|
|
It all began in SEL, as so many things do.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inside Look 
