The purpose of this learning experience is to cultivate a sense of community among middle school students by encouraging them to express their unique strengths and perspectives. Through crafting impact statements and creating art, students will explore their identities and contributions, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This project-based approach enhances students' understanding of how individual experiences can enrich collective learning, while also building a tangible representation of their interconnected community.
Learning goals
Students will develop skills in creative writing by reflecting on their personal experiences and articulating their unique strengths and contributions. They will enhance their artistic abilities by creating visual representations of their impact statements, using various art mediums. Additionally, students will cultivate an understanding of community diversity and interconnectedness through collaborative projects and reflective activities.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.5: Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.
Products
Students will collaboratively create a 'Story Wall' by writing and sharing their impact statements, accompanied by an art piece that visually represents their unique contributions and perspectives. Additionally, they will contribute to a 'Community Tree' installation, where each student designs a leaf that symbolizes their personal growth and connection to the community. These projects will serve as ongoing exhibits, celebrating the diversity and unity within the classroom and fostering a sense of belonging.
Launch
Begin the lesson with a "Community Circle" where students gather in a circle and share one word that represents their unique strength or contribution. Follow this with a brief storytelling session where a few volunteers narrate a personal experience that highlights their chosen word. This sets the tone for the project by emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of each student's voice in the community.
Exhibition
Host a community showcase event where students present their Story Wall and Community Tree installations to peers, teachers, and family members. Invite attendees to engage with the exhibits by leaving notes of appreciation or questions on sticky notes, fostering an interactive dialogue. Encourage students to share brief oral presentations about their impact statements and artwork, highlighting the personal significance and community connections they represent.
Week 1
Day 1
Activities
Community Circle Launch - Students gather in a circle, each sharing a word that represents their unique strength or contribution, followed by a storytelling session with volunteers sharing personal experiences related to their word (30 min)
Creative Writing Introduction - Guide students through a creative writing session where they begin drafting their impact statements, reflecting on personal experiences and perspectives (40 min)
Reflection Journaling - Students write in their journals about the insights gained from the Community Circle and their initial thoughts on their impact statements (20 min)
Art Exploration Kick-off - Introduce various art mediums and brainstorm ideas for visual representations of their impact statements (30 min)
Deliverables
1. Written impact statement reflecting personal strengths and community contribution.
2. Artwork that visually represents the student's impact statement.
3. Journal reflections on the diversity observed during the Gallery Walk.
4. Oral presentation during the showcase event.
Preparation
1. Arrange art supplies such as paper, paints, markers, and other materials for the art session.
2. Prepare a space for the Story Wall and Community Tree installations.
3. Organize a schedule and space for the community showcase event.
4. Prepare a journal for each student to facilitate daily reflections.
5. Set up a recording device or materials for students who wish to document their oral presentations.
