9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades  Project 9 weeks

"Peer Power: High School Connections"

Katie C
DA:Pr5.1.I.c
D2.Rel.9.9-12
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to cultivate a strong, supportive class community by engaging students in collaborative, real-world activities that enhance empathy, active listening, and teamwork. Through partnerships with mental health organizations and hands-on group projects, students will explore and implement key elements of community-building. The project encourages critical thinking and personal growth, allowing students to document their journey and contribute to a collective class effort, symbolized by a 'Community Quilt' and an interactive 'Community Map.'

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to collaborate effectively, building positive relationships and demonstrating empathy and active listening in group settings. They will critically analyze social dynamics and community needs, proposing actionable solutions through hands-on projects. Throughout the experience, students will reflect on their personal growth and contributions, documenting their journey in a digital portfolio and culminating in a shared 'Community Quilt Project' that visually represents their collective learning and impact.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] DA:Pr5.1.I.c - Collaborate with peers to establish and implement a rehearsal plan to meet performance goals. Use a variety of strategies to analyze and evaluate performances of self and others (for example, use video recordings of practice to analyze the difference between the way movements look and how they feel to match performance with visual affect). Articulate performance goals and justify reasons for selecting particular practice strategies.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Rel.9.9-12 - Give examples of how beliefs, behaviors, and community experiences shape and are shaped by one another in particular social and historical contexts.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1 - Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9—10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively create a digital portfolio documenting their experiences, reflections, and interactions with community partners. They will also contribute to a 'Community Quilt Project,' where each piece reflects their individual learning and growth. Additionally, students will develop an interactive 'Community Map' highlighting areas in need of support and proposing actionable solutions. These products will be displayed to foster ongoing engagement and showcase the collective effort in building a supportive class community.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Reflection Wall Kickoff' event where students collaboratively create and post their initial thoughts, expectations, and goals for fostering a supportive community. This activity sets the tone for the project by encouraging open dialogue and personal reflection. Students will engage in a guided discussion to explore the essential question, sparking curiosity and setting a foundation for the project's collaborative and reflective nature.

Exhibition

At the culmination of the project, students will present the 'Community Quilt Project' in a school-wide exhibition. Each quilt piece, representing individual insights and growth, will be accompanied by a brief presentation where students articulate their contributions and learning journey. This exhibition will serve as a visual and interactive testament to the collective efforts in fostering a supportive class community, inviting peers, teachers, and community partners to engage with the students' work.