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9th Grade  Project 12 weeks

Light on Literacy

Elena A
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 2 more
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Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of literacy barriers in communities of color, particularly focusing on the impact of poverty. Through hands-on collaboration with first-grade buddies, students will apply reading strategies and foster a love for reading. By designing and constructing solar-powered reading lights, students will engage in meaningful community service, enhancing educational outcomes and promoting cultural awareness. The project integrates real-world learning with community partnerships, encouraging critical thinking, self-reflection, and effective communication.

Learning goals

Students will develop critical reading strategies by engaging with diverse texts and participating in reading circles, enhancing their comprehension and analytical skills. They will explore the socio-economic factors affecting literacy in Barrio Logan and collaborate with community partners to create a practical reading strategies guide. Through hands-on projects, students will design and construct personalized reading lights, integrating cultural elements to foster a love for reading in younger students. They will also reflect on their learning journey through digital storytelling, connecting personal growth with community narratives and literacy advocacy.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
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.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Students will design and construct personalized reading lights for first graders, incorporating Chicano art elements, to be presented at a community exhibition in Chicano Park. They will craft a digital anthology of essays and reflections on community and literacy outcomes, shared on 'Stories from the Heart: A Community Blog.' Additionally, students will design culturally inspired bookmarks with motivational quotes for distribution at the exhibition.

Launch

Students will embark on a trip to Barrio Logan to meet their first-grade buddies, initiating the project with a community-focused experience. During this visit, high school students will engage in interactive storytelling sessions with their little buddies, fostering initial connections and setting the stage for collaborative learning. This immersive launch will introduce students to the cultural and socio-economic context of the neighborhood, sparking curiosity and empathy as they begin their exploration of literacy challenges.

Exhibition

Students will present their personalized reading lights to first graders at a community exhibition in Chicano Park, celebrating the intersection of literacy and cultural art. The exhibition will also feature the launch of 'Stories from the Heart: A Community Blog,' showcasing digital anthologies of student essays and reflections on literacy challenges and community impact. Attendees, including community members and local educators, will engage in discussions about the students' learning journeys, fostering connections and shared understanding. Personalized bookmarks, crafted by the students, will be distributed to first graders, further enhancing the celebration of reading and cultural identity.