2nd Grade  Project 14 weeks

Connections

Salena A
D2.His.3.K-2
D1.2.K-2
D1.1.K-2
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of identity, community, and history by engaging them in hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Through the exploration of historical figures and their contributions, students will connect these stories to their own lives, fostering a sense of belonging and self-awareness. By incorporating literacy standards through narrative story structure and letter writing, students will enhance their reading and writing skills while expressing personal connections to historical figures. Collaborating with community partners and participating in creative projects, students will develop critical thinking skills and build meaningful connections with their peers and the wider community.

Learning goals

Students will explore their own identities and values while connecting with historical changemakers through narrative writing, art, and collaborative research. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by investigating the lives of significant figures and reflecting on their impact on community and self. Through interactive activities and community partnerships, students will build social-emotional competencies such as empathy, respect, and perseverance, fostering a sense of belonging and self-efficacy. Additionally, students will apply math skills by creating and interpreting bar graphs and picture graphs related to historical figures and their contributions. Students will enhance literacy skills by engaging with biographies and narrative story structures, aligning with literacy standards for reading comprehension and effective communication.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.His.3.K-2 - Generate questions about individuals and groups who have shaped a significant historical change.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D1.2.K-2 - Identify disciplinary ideas associated with a compelling question.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D1.1.K-2 - Explain why the compelling question is important to the student.
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 a 'Community Post Card Center,' where each student designs a postcard set featuring a historical figure that inspires them, combining narratives, illustrations, and data representations like bar and picture graphs to depict aspects of the figure's impact, aligning with literacy standards for narrative writing and data interpretation. These postcards will be compiled into a published book to be shared with local libraries and community centers. Additionally, students will produce visual art projects and narrative stories inspired by changemakers, which will be showcased in a 'Gallery Walk of Dreams' and presented during the 'Dreamer Showcase.'

Launch

Begin the project with a "Me Bag" sharing session, where each student brings a bag containing three items that represent their identity and what is important to them. Follow this by opening a set of mystery boxes, each containing items and letters representing the identities and inspirations of various historical figures. To incorporate math, have students create bar graphs and picture graphs to visually represent the number of shared items that relate to specific identity themes or historical figures. This interactive activity will spark curiosity and set the stage for exploring connections between personal identity, community, and historical influences. Integrate literacy standards by encouraging students to write descriptive paragraphs about their "Me Bag" items, focusing on narrative structure and vocabulary development.

Exhibition

Enhance the 'Gallery Walk of Dreams' by incorporating student-created bar and picture graphs that illustrate data related to the historical figures studied, such as the number of years they were active or the impact of their contributions. This integration of math standards will provide a visual representation of historical data, enriching the exhibition experience. Include literacy components by displaying student-written narratives and letters alongside their visual art, aligning with literacy standards for narrative writing and letter composition. Invite the school community, including family members and community partners, to view the exhibition, participate in interactive activities, and provide feedback.
Copied from "Dreamers & Doers: Our Story, Our Heroes!"