4th Grade
Project
6 weeks
"Punk Zines: Identity Unplugged!"
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Purpose
The purpose of this learning experience is to cultivate a deeper understanding of identity and self-expression among 4th-grade students through the lens of 'The First Rule of Punk.' By integrating social studies, language arts, and the arts, students will engage in character analysis, zine creation, and reflective dialogue, exploring their own identities and those of their peers while considering diverse perspectives. This interdisciplinary, project-based approach encourages students to critically reflect on their personal experiences and express their unique voices, culminating in a school-wide showcase that celebrates their artistic and personal growth.
Learning goals
Students will investigate and articulate their own identities through character analysis and creative expression, drawing inspiration from 'The First Rule of Punk.' They will develop skills in self-reflection, critical thinking, and artistic expression by creating zines that explore personal and communal identities. Through interdisciplinary connections, students will integrate social studies concepts by examining civic values and perspectives, and explore artistic techniques in collaboration with community partners. Through peer feedback and community engagement, students will deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives and the importance of respecting others' identities. The project aims to build a sense of belonging and self-efficacy, encouraging students to confidently share their unique stories and insights.
Standards
- [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.10.3-5 - Identify the beliefs, experiences, perspectives, and values that underlie their own and others' points of view about civic issues.
- [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Re8.1.4.a - Demonstrate and explain how the expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, and timbre) are used in performers’ and personal interpretations to reflect expressive intent.
- [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.4.3-5 - Explain how groups of people make rules to create responsibilities and protect freedoms.
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 create personalized zines that explore and celebrate their identities and interests, integrating social studies concepts by examining civic values and perspectives. These zines will feature interdisciplinary elements such as artistic expression, narrative writing, and data representation, connecting to math through graphical elements or timelines. Accompanied by audio or video reflections, the zines will be showcased in a digital gallery during a school-wide Identity Showcase, offering students a platform to present their work to peers, teachers, and community members.
Launch
To kick off the learning experience, initiate a 'Story Swap Circle' where students gather to share personal stories and reflections related to their identities. Integrate an interdisciplinary approach by encouraging students to incorporate elements of social studies, such as discussing cultural backgrounds and civic values, and math, by creating simple graphs or charts to represent shared traits or interests within the group. This activity encourages students to connect with each other and draw inspiration from the novel's characters, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Through this shared experience, students will begin to explore the themes of pride, confidence, and self-esteem, setting the stage for their zine-making journey.
Exhibition
The Identity Showcase will be a vibrant school-wide event where students from TK-6th grade proudly display their zines in a digital gallery. Attendees can explore the dynamic range of identities and artistic expressions captured in the zines, enhanced by audio or video reflections. This event will also feature interactive stations where students can present their creative processes and engage in discussions about their identity journeys, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among peers and the school community. To highlight interdisciplinary learning, the showcase will include a section where students connect their zine themes to social studies topics, such as civic values and community roles, and demonstrate how they incorporated math skills in designing their zine layouts.
Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
|
Day 2
|
Day 3
|
Day 4
|
Day 5
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Project Launch: Story Swap Circle
Activity (Deprecated)
45m
Story Swap Circle
Activity (Deprecated)
45m
|
Introduction to Zine-Making
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Character Analysis Introduction
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Identity Mapping
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Character Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Identity Mapping
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Deep Dive into Character Analysis
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Linking Text to Self
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Concept Development
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Introduction to Zine-Making
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Civic Values Discussion
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Planning
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Design Techniques
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Exploring Expressive Qualities
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Feedback Friday: Peer Sharing
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Reflection and Revision
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Zine Creation Session 1
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 2 |
Day 6
|
Day 7
|
Day 8
|
Day 9
|
Day 10
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Character Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Character Deep Dive
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Zine Layout Planning
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Identity Reflection Journal
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Exploring Artistic Techniques
Activity (Deprecated)
45m
Zine Concept Development
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Artistic Techniques Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Group Discussion: Identity in 'The First Rule of Punk'
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Civic Values and Identity Connections
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Zine Layout Planning
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Drafting Zine Content
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Peer Feedback Exchange
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Mathematical Data Representation
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Character Analysis Sketch
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Incorporating Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Feedback Friday
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Feedback Friday
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Reflection Activity
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Reflective Journaling
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 3 |
Day 11
|
Day 12
|
Day 13
|
Day 14
|
Day 15
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Character Deep Dive
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Character Deep Dive
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Identity Collage Creation
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Theme Development
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Exploring Civic Values
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Identity Showcase Planning
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Page Layout Planning
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Zine Creation Session 2
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Music and Identity
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Exploring Musical Expression
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Zine Creation Session 3
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Content Development
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Peer Review and Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Reflective Journaling
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Artistic Techniques Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Revision Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Digital Portfolio Introduction
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Feedback Friday: Peer Review
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Zine Creation Session 4
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Revision and Enhancement
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 4 |
Day 16
|
Day 17
|
Day 18
|
Day 19
|
Day 20
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Character Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Character Analysis: Deep Dive
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Creation: Narrative Drafting
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Identity Expression Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Graphic Design Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Zine Creation Session 2
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Peer Review and Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Peer Feedback Exchange
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Exploring Musical Expression
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Social Studies Integration: Civic Values
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Layout Refinement
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Artistic Techniques Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Artistic Techniques Masterclass
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Zine Assembly
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Identity Reflection Journal
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Feedback Friday
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Feedback Friday: Group Critique
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Reflection and Goal Setting
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Reflective Journaling
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 5 |
Day 21
|
Day 22
|
Day 23
|
Day 24
|
Day 25
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Finalizing Zine Content
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Character and Personal Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Zine Final Draft Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Zine Cover Design
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Digital Portfolio Update
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Digital Portfolio Compilation
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Peer Feedback Exchange
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Identity Showcase Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Incorporating Final Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Exhibition Station Setup
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Interdisciplinary Connections Discussion
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Rehearsal for Showcase
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Peer Reflection and Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Rehearsal for Identity Showcase
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Artistic Presentation Techniques
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Final Revisions
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Feedback Friday: Final Peer Review
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Feedback Friday
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Reflective Journaling and Goal Setting
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Reflection and Goal Setting
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 6 |
Day 26
|
Day 27
|
Day 28
|
Day 29
|
Day 30
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Final Revisions and Refinements
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Final Zine Creation Session
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Audio/Video Reflection Recording
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Audio/Video Reflection Recording
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Digital Gallery Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Digital Portfolio Compilation
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Exhibition Planning Discussion
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Exhibition Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Identity Showcase Setup
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Identity Showcase Rehearsal
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Presentation Rehearsal
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Peer Feedback and Final Adjustments
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
School-Wide Identity Showcase
Activity (Deprecated)
45m
Showcase Set-Up
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Last Minute Preparations
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Identity Showcase Event
Activity (Deprecated)
45m
Final Reflection and Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Celebration and Closing Circle
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
| Preparation | |||||