Evolving Through Introspection and Gaining Empathy.
How can writing and telling our own stories help us to better understand and know ourselves and others?
–Fort Dearborn Elementary, Teacher Dwayne Sanders and Teaching Artist bAnanasi Knowbody, 3rd & 5th grade
Interruptions
We started the project with fifth graders and then included the third graders. Unfortunately, shortly after regaining our bearings, and having been apart previously due to the teacher strike, schools were shut down before we could get into the meat of the project.
–Mr. Sanders
We only met on three occasions before school was cancelled.
It was difficult getting students to sign in virtually. We received about five stories but very little artwork for the project. Several students never had the technology to get on line, which seemed to be the major issue facing students. The few who received computers were given flawed technology that did not work with Google Classroom.
“I feel like I learned more about equity in communities when it comes to technology and parental involvement and how this will hinder communities in specific areas from receiving adequate learning.”
– Mr. Sanders
‘“I learned that young people, specifically in economically challenged educational environments are either not given an opportunity or encouraged to think about themselves and others in relation to the world at large. This lack affects their big picture perspectives and can be very limiting and disengaging.”
— Mr. Knowbody