There was this lovely moment in early February the day before Grandparents and Special Friends Day. I had been teaching my students about global trade through the life-cycle of the t-shirt. I really enjoyed everything about that unit. It was relevant, brought the global local, made social justice real, and the stories of the workers connected the learning to something kids cared about. They loved learning about the people and processes, and seeing themselves as vital links in the chain, emphasizing my central belief that 7th grade is not a dress rehearsal for something to come, and 7th graders are not bit players in the drama. [Read more…]
Students Experience True Meaning of Service Learning
Middle School students in Alex’s world studies class now know what diapers cost. During the 2014-15 academic year, the project, “Diaper Mountain,” was born out of discussions in the classroom about poverty and homelessness. The students decided that the culminating experience should include a short walk to Our House, which provides childcare and support for families who experience homelessness, to spend a morning with the children there. [Read more…]