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All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Warm Wishes: Fall into Giving!"

Grace C
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning by organizing a pajama drive for a local shelter. Through research and collaboration, students will explore community needs, wants, and the impact of seasonal changes on clothing requirements. This project fosters critical thinking, self-directed learning, and a sense of belonging, as students work together to address real-world challenges and contribute positively to their community.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively research and write about the needs and wants of their community, focusing on seasonal pajama requirements. They will develop a sequence of instructions for organizing a pajama drive, using books and resources from the library. Through self-reflection and feedback, students will enhance their self-directed learning skills, while engaging in critical thinking to understand community needs. They will establish a sense of belonging and identity by actively participating in the 'Seasons of Giving' fair, presenting their findings and encouraging community involvement.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.7 - Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.7 - Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of "how-to" books on a given topic and use them to write a sequence of instructions).
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.7 - Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a detailed plan for the pajama drive, including a sequence of instructions for organizing and executing the event. They will produce a report on seasonal clothing needs, supported by research on fall and the seasons, which will be showcased at the 'Seasons of Giving' fair. Additionally, students will design creative displays to present their findings and encourage community participation in donating pajama items. These products will be shared with the school community and local shelter to demonstrate the impact of their project.

Launch

To launch the pajama drive project, students will visit Our Lady of Mercy, a local shelter, to participate in a guided tour and discussion about the shelter's role and the significance of pajama donations. This experience will offer students firsthand insights into the needs of the shelter and the individuals it supports, laying the foundation for their research and planning. After the visit, students will collaboratively brainstorm and share initial ideas on contributing to the pajama drive, fostering a sense of purpose and community connection from the outset.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Seasons of Giving' fair, showcasing their research on seasonal clothing needs through creative displays such as posters, models, and digital presentations. They will engage with the school community and local residents by explaining the impact of seasonal changes on clothing requirements and the importance of meeting community needs. Designated booths will be set up for community members to donate pajama items, and students will facilitate the collection and organization of these donations for the local shelter.