The purpose of this learning experience is to collaboratively establish a classroom culture that embodies empathy, innovation, resilience, effective communication, and community responsiveness. Through project-based activities, students will actively engage in creating a shared vision and social contract, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. By developing digital portfolios, they will reflect on their growth and demonstrate their understanding of classroom expectations, ultimately presenting their work to parents and the school community.
Learning goals
Students will collaboratively develop a classroom vision statement and social contract that embodies the learner profile attributes. They will engage in active listening, appreciate diverse perspectives, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Through resilience-building workshops, students will set personal goals, reflect on their progress, and showcase their learning in digital portfolios. The project will culminate in students confidently presenting their classroom expectations to parents, demonstrating their effective communication skills.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Products
Students will collaboratively develop a Classroom Vision Statement and Social Contract, which will be documented and displayed as a shared digital artifact. Throughout the project, they will create individual digital portfolios using Google Sites to capture their reflections, personal goals, and evidence of their participation in resilience-building workshops and problem-solving activities. These portfolios will be presented to parents at Back to School Night, showcasing their understanding and commitment to the classroom expectations and culture.
Launch
Kick off the project with a 'Problem-Solving Marathon' where students are divided into diverse teams to tackle a series of creative challenges. Each challenge will require innovative thinking and collaboration, encouraging students to practice active listening, empathy, and effective communication. After completing the challenges, facilitate a group reflection session where students discuss how these skills contribute to a successful classroom environment. This launch will set the stage for developing a classroom vision statement and social contract, emphasizing the importance of each learner profile attribute.
Exhibition
At Back to School Night, students will present their digital portfolios to their parents, showcasing the classroom expectations they collaboratively developed. Each student will articulate their understanding and contributions to the classroom vision statement and social contract. The exhibition will include interactive stations where students demonstrate their roles as Empathetic Collaborators, Innovative Problem Solvers, and other learner profile attributes through role-play or skits. Parents will have opportunities to engage with students, asking questions and offering feedback on their presentations. This exhibition will celebrate students' commitment to creating a positive classroom culture and their growth in communication and collaboration skills.
