To kick off this year, all 6th grade students in their ELA classes had the chance to reflect with their parents and themselves about all the good deeds they perform in our community. Students were asked to go home and have a discussion with their parents about a time they helped another person and how it made them feel. They were proud of their parents’ stories and excited to share with the class their enlightening conversations. This was a very powerful activity.
The students quickly made the connection between our essential question, “How and Why do people support each other in order to survive?” We asked our students to complete this thought on a Post-it™ note, “I _________ and this matters because _______.” The responses were genuine and unique. Everyone’s Post-it™ notes were put on a “What You Do Matters” bulletin board and all students were given a red and white bracelet to help them remember our commitment to helping each other in our community. The theme “What You Do Matters” will be revisited throughout the year in team building activities and other lessons.
