Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Passing the Flame Circle - Students share personal stories of feeling welcomed or included, fostering emotional connections and encouraging storytelling. (45 min)
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Introduction to Historical Sparks - Explore real historical moments of kindness and inclusion, such as WWII & the Holocaust, and how these acts created change. (45 min)
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Self-Reflection and Academic Mindset - Guided reflection on personal stories shared in the Passing the Flame Circle, identifying themes of kindness and inclusion. (20 min)
Research Skills Workshop - Introduction to research methods and tools students will use to investigate historical acts of kindness and inclusion. (25 min)
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Community Partner Introduction - Meet with local veterans or community elders to hear stories of courage and kindness. Students will reflect on these stories in their research journals. (45 min)
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Historical Context Discussion - Explore the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, focusing on acts of inclusion and courage, such as Fred Rogers inviting Officer Clemmons to share a pool on TV. (20 min)
Notice and Wonder Discussion - Students engage in a dialogue about the stories heard from community partners, identifying key moments that sparked curiosity and empathy. (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Participation in the Passing the Flame Circle with personal story sharing.
2. Completion of initial entries in the research journal reflecting on historical examples and the community partner's story. 3. Active participation in the Notice and Wonder Discussion. 4. Questions and reflections documented in research journals. |
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| Preparation |
1. Organize the Passing the Flame Circle with prompts for storytelling.
2. Select historical examples of kindness and inclusion for discussion. 3. Prepare group discussion questions for the Notice and Wonder activity. 4. Provide research journals for students to document their learning and reflections. 5. Arrange for a community partner to visit the class and share their story. |
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| Week 2 |
Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Exploring the Changemaker's Journey - Introduction to the concept of changemakers and how their actions create belonging. Students brainstorm individuals they admire for their acts of kindness and inclusion. (20 min)
Research Portfolio Setup - Students set up their research portfolios and begin outlining the stories of their chosen changemakers. Guided by research methods introduced in Week 1. (25 min)
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Historical Context Investigation - Students delve into the 9/11 Attacks, focusing on community kindness in crisis in Gander, Newfoundland. Discuss how small acts can create big change. (45 min)
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Artistic Expression Workshop - Introduction to various artistic mediums and techniques students can use for their symbolic art piece. Students explore initial ideas for their projects. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students share their changemaker ideas and receive feedback from peers, refining their focus and approach. (15 min)
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Community Partner Interaction - Meet with immigrant or refugee advocates who share stories of resilience and sparks of kindness. Students document insights in their research journals. (45 min)
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Narrative Development - Guided writing session where students begin crafting the narrative piece connecting their changemaker's story to their own life experiences. (30 min)
Spark Statement Brainstorm - Students brainstorm potential actions they can commit to that will make their school more welcoming. Begin drafting their personal Spark Statement. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed research notes documenting historical examples of kindness and inclusion.
2. Draft of narrative piece connecting historical moments to personal experiences or community observations. 3. Feedback from peer sessions, documenting insights and suggestions for narrative improvement. 4. Initial insights from interviews or discussions with community partners, informing narrative development. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and prepare research materials on WWII & the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring age-appropriate content for 6th graders.
2. Coordinate with community partners to schedule discussions or interviews with students, ensuring access to firsthand stories. 3. Prepare resources for 'notice and wonder' discussions, including prompts to guide reflection and encourage critical thinking. 4. Create a peer feedback framework to guide students in providing constructive and empathetic critique during sessions. 5. Organize materials for narrative writing, including graphic organizers and writing prompts to support student creativity. |
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| Week 3 |
Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Comparative Analysis of Historical Sparks - Students analyze and compare two historical moments where kindness and inclusion created change, using research portfolios for reference. (25 min)
Peer Reflection Circle - Students share insights from their comparative analysis, focusing on how these historical sparks relate to their own experiences and community. (20 min)
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Symbolic Art Piece Design - Students begin drafting designs for their symbolic art pieces, incorporating the themes of kindness and inclusion. (30 min)
Art Technique Exploration - Introduction to artistic techniques that students can use in their art pieces, with hands-on practice. (15 min)
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Community Partner Story Integration - Students integrate insights from community partner stories into their research portfolios, identifying common themes of resilience and kindness. (25 min)
Group Critique Session - Students present their draft designs for peer feedback, refining ideas based on constructive critique. (20 min)
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Narrative Drafting Workshop - Students continue developing their narrative pieces, connecting personal experiences with their chosen changemaker's story. (30 min)
Spark Statement Refinement - Guided session to refine students' personal Spark Statements, ensuring clarity and specific actions for creating a welcoming school environment. (15 min)
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Art Piece Development - Students work on creating their symbolic art pieces, applying techniques explored earlier in the week. (35 min)
Reflective Journaling - Students reflect on their progress and the impact of their art pieces and narratives on personal growth and community belonging. (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed research notes documenting historical moments of kindness and inclusion.
2. Interview summaries or reflections from interactions with community partners. 3. Initial sketches or drafts of the symbolic art piece. 4. Peer feedback notes and reflections on research and art concepts. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and organize research materials, including books and articles related to historical acts of kindness and inclusion.
2. Coordinate with community partners to schedule guest speaker visits and prepare students for interviews. 3. Prepare discussion prompts and questions to guide group discussions on the essential question. 4. Provide art supplies such as paper, pencils, markers, and other materials for students’ artistic exploration. 5. Set up an environment conducive to peer feedback, including arranging space for gallery walks and critiques. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Symbolic Art Piece Finalization - Students finalize their symbolic art pieces, ensuring they effectively communicate themes of kindness and inclusion. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Exchange - Students present their finalized art pieces to peers in small groups and receive constructive feedback to make final adjustments. (15 min)
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Narrative Piece Completion - Students complete their narrative pieces, connecting their changemaker's story to personal experiences and reflecting on the impact of these stories. (25 min)
Teacher Conference - One-on-one sessions with the teacher to receive feedback on narrative pieces and art, ensuring both align with project goals. (20 min)
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Community Partner Reflection - Students reflect on insights gained from interactions with community partners, focusing on common themes of resilience and kindness. (20 min)
Research Portfolio Expansion - Students update their research portfolios with reflections and new insights, making connections between historical and contemporary acts of kindness. (25 min)
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Spark Statement Finalization - Students refine their Spark Statements, articulating specific actions they will take to foster a welcoming school community. (20 min)
Collaborative Planning Session - In groups, students plan how they will present their work at the upcoming exhibition, focusing on effective communication strategies. (25 min)
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Mock Exhibition Presentation - Students rehearse their exhibition presentations, sharing their art pieces, narratives, and Spark Statements with peers for feedback. (30 min)
Reflective Journaling - Students reflect on their progress, learning journey, and how their projects contribute to a sense of belonging and community. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A research summary of a historical moment of kindness and inclusion, highlighting its impact.
2. Reflective journal entries connecting historical examples to personal experiences and community. 3. Initial sketches or drafts of the symbolic art piece, incorporating feedback from peers. 4. Participation in a discussion and reflection session, demonstrating understanding of themes from the novel and musical performance. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange a guest speaker session with a community partner who has a story of courage or kindness to share.
2. Gather research materials and access to digital resources for students to explore historical examples of kindness and inclusion. 3. Prepare guidelines and prompts for the reflection session to help students connect historical stories with personal experiences. 4. Provide art supplies such as sketch pads, pencils, and markers for students to draft their art piece concepts. 5. Create a feedback form or rubric for peer review sessions to facilitate constructive critique on art concepts. |
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| Week 5 |
Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
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Day 25
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Exhibition Planning Kick-off - Begin with a group discussion to outline the exhibition's key components and roles. Students will collaboratively decide on themes and the flow of the event. (20 min)
Art Piece Final Touches - Students work on any last details or enhancements for their symbolic art pieces, ensuring alignment with the exhibition theme. (25 min)
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Narrative Piece Revisions - Students review peer feedback on their narrative pieces and make final revisions, focusing on clarity and impact. (25 min)
Exhibition Presentation Strategy - In small groups, students draft and practice how they will present their art and narrative pieces to visitors, incorporating effective storytelling techniques. (20 min)
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Community Partner Integration - Students incorporate narratives or insights from community partners into their presentations, highlighting the real-world impact of their stories. (15 min)
Peer Presentation Practice - Students rehearse their presentations with peers, providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine delivery. (30 min)
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Mock Exhibition Walkthrough - Conduct a simulated exhibition where students present their work to the class as if they were presenting to guests, practicing timing and transitions. (30 min)
Feedback and Reflection Session - After the walkthrough, students engage in a reflective discussion on what went well and areas for improvement, recording insights in their journals. (15 min)
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Final Exhibition Preparations - Students finalize all elements for the exhibition, including setup, visual aids, and personal Spark Statements. (25 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Conclude the week with a guided reflection session where students set personal goals for the exhibition night, focusing on communication and community engagement. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised symbolic art pieces reflecting feedback and deeper understanding of the changemaker's story.
2. Updated research portfolios with expanded historical context and personal reflections. 3. Completed empathy interview notes, capturing insights and stories from community partners. 4. Drafts of narrative pieces that connect historical acts of kindness to personal experiences and contemporary relevance. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to art supplies (paints, canvases, fabric, etc.) for students to continue working on their symbolic art pieces.
2. Organize peer critique guidelines and protocols to ensure constructive and focused feedback sessions. 3. Arrange for community partner visits or virtual interactions for empathy interviews, coordinating with local veterans, immigrant advocates, or artists. 4. Prepare resources and historical texts that provide context about the changemakers students are studying. 5. Set up a space for group discussions, ensuring it is conducive to open and respectful communication. 6. Provide templates or graphic organizers to help students structure their narrative drafts and research portfolios. |
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| Week 6 |
Day 26
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Day 27
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Day 28
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Day 29
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Day 30
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Art Piece Refinement and Reflection - Students refine their symbolic art pieces based on peer and teacher feedback, ensuring the themes of kindness and inclusion are clearly communicated. Reflect on the creative process and document insights in research journals. (25 min)
Collaborative Storytelling Workshop - In groups, students practice presenting their narratives, focusing on effective communication and empathy. Peers provide constructive feedback to enhance storytelling impact. (20 min)
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Community Partner Story Sharing - Students engage with a local artist or musician who shares their journey and how art can be a tool for social change and inclusion. Reflect on the session and integrate insights into personal projects. (30 min)
Peer Review Session - Students exchange narrative drafts with peers for detailed feedback, focusing on clarity, emotional resonance, and alignment with project themes. (15 min)
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Exhibition Presentation Refinement - Students focus on refining their presentation skills for the upcoming exhibition. Emphasize clear communication, body language, and audience engagement. Practice with peers for feedback. (25 min)
Final Art Piece Adjustments - Students make any last-minute enhancements to their symbolic art pieces, ensuring readiness for exhibition. Document changes and the rationale behind them in journals. (20 min)
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Interactive Exhibition Planning - Students collaborate in small groups to plan interactive elements of their exhibition presentations, ensuring visitor engagement and understanding of project themes. (25 min)
Spark Statement Sharing Circle - Students gather in a circle to share their refined Spark Statements, offering mutual support and encouragement. Discuss potential challenges and strategies for implementation. (20 min)
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Full Exhibition Rehearsal - Conduct a full run-through of the exhibition, with students presenting their art pieces, narratives, and Spark Statements to the class. Provide and receive feedback on delivery and content. (30 min)
Reflective Journaling and Goal Setting - Conclude the week with a reflective journaling session where students set personal goals for their exhibition night, focusing on communication and community engagement. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Refined symbolic art piece
2. Revised narrative connecting changemaker's story to personal experiences 3. Draft of personal Spark Statement 4. Participation in peer critique sessions 5. Contribution to 'notice and wonder' discussion 6. Integration of feedback from community partners into projects |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange peer critique sessions, ensuring a structured format for feedback.
2. Prepare reflection prompts for the 'notice and wonder' discussion. 3. Coordinate with community partners to schedule interaction sessions. 4. Gather materials needed for finalizing art pieces, such as paints, canvases, or musical instruments. 5. Provide access to computers or devices for drafting personal Spark Statements. 6. Set up an online platform for students to share and receive feedback digitally. |
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| Week 7 |
Day 31
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Day 32
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Day 33
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Day 34
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Day 35
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Exhibition Setup and Roles Assignment - Students collaboratively set up the exhibition space, assigning roles for guiding guests, presenting art pieces, and sharing narratives. (20 min)
Final Touches on Art and Narratives - Students make any last enhancements to their art pieces and narratives, ensuring they align with the themes of kindness and inclusion. (25 min)
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Exhibition Rehearsal - Students practice presenting their work in the exhibition space, focusing on clear communication and engaging storytelling. (30 min)
Feedback and Revision Session - Students receive peer and teacher feedback on their rehearsal, refining their presentation style and content. (15 min)
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Community Engagement Strategy - Students brainstorm ways to engage exhibition visitors effectively, incorporating questions and interactive elements. (25 min)
Collaborative Presentation Planning - In groups, students plan how to integrate community partner stories and insights into their exhibition presentations. (20 min)
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Exhibition Walkthrough - Conduct a final walkthrough of the exhibition, ensuring students are comfortable with their roles and the flow of the event. (25 min)
Reflective Journaling and Goal Setting - Students reflect on their readiness for the exhibition and set goals for meaningful engagement with visitors. (20 min)
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Final Exhibition Preparations - Students finalize all elements for the exhibition, including setup, visual aids, and personal Spark Statements. (25 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Conclude the week with a guided reflection session where students set personal goals for the exhibition night, focusing on communication and community engagement. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed symbolic art piece reflecting the changemaker's impact.
2. Finalized narrative piece connecting the changemaker's story to personal experiences. 3. Comprehensive research portfolio documenting historical and contemporary examples. 4. Peer feedback notes and reflections from critique sessions. 5. Insights and reflections from community partner engagements. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with community partners, including veterans, immigrant advocates, and artists for guest sessions.
2. Prepare art supplies such as paints, brushes, canvases, or fabric materials for the symbolic art piece creation. 3. Set up a space for students to work collaboratively on their art pieces and narrative writing. 4. Organize a schedule for peer critique sessions and teacher feedback loops. 5. Ensure access to research materials and resources for portfolio development. 6. Arrange for audio/visual recording equipment if students choose to present their art pieces through performance or music. |
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| Week 8 |
Day 36
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Day 37
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Day 38
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Day 39
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Day 40
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Exhibition Setup - Students set up the exhibition space, ensuring all elements are in place and visually appealing. (20 min)
Exhibition Dress Rehearsal - Students conduct a full run-through of their exhibition presentations, practicing storytelling and interactive engagement with peers. (25 min)
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Community Partner Interaction - Invite community partners to preview the exhibition and provide feedback on presentations, emphasizing real-world impact. (20 min)
Exhibition Presentation Refinement - Students incorporate feedback from community partners into their presentations, enhancing clarity and engagement. (25 min)
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Peer Presentation Feedback - Students present their refined exhibition pieces to peers for final constructive feedback, focusing on storytelling and communication. (20 min)
Final Touches on Art and Narratives - Students make any last adjustments to their art pieces and narratives, ensuring they align with project themes. (25 min)
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Spark Statement Sharing Circle - Students share their final Spark Statements with peers, discussing how they will implement these actions in their school community. (20 min)
Exhibition Walkthrough - Conduct a final walkthrough of the exhibition, ensuring students are comfortable with their roles and the event flow. (25 min)
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Social Justice Storytelling Night - Students present their symbolic art pieces, narratives, and Spark Statements to families, peers, teachers, and community members during the exhibition. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed symbolic art pieces ready for exhibition.
2. Research portfolios showcasing historical and contemporary examples of kindness and inclusion. 3. Narrative pieces connecting changemakers' stories to students' personal experiences. 4. Personal Spark Statements outlining actions to foster a welcoming school environment. 5. Execution of Social Justice Storytelling Night and “We Create..” Gallery where students present their work to the community. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather art supplies, including paints, brushes, canvases, and any specific materials requested by students for their art pieces.
2. Organize resources and primary sources for students to refine their research portfolios. 3. Provide narrative writing templates and examples for crafting personal stories. 4. Prepare a space for the exhibition, including tables, display boards, and audio-visual equipment for presentations. 5. Coordinate with community partners to participate in the exhibition and provide feedback. |
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