Do you have any heroes in your life? Well, I have a story about a whole classroom of 5th graders that I want to introduce to you. Here is how this story unfolded.
Recently, I did a video interview with Dyane Smokorowski, an amazing teacher who works in the Andover Public School system in Kansas. She let me know that a rock star teacher in Georgia, named Eric Crouch, would be editing the video down for her. I had never met Eric, but soon I got an email from him with a storyboard from his class of fifth graders about another project.
The storyboard was about my 10th annual heroes themed writing contest. It was just brilliant. I sent to my elf who was beside herself over it too. It was better than anything we had done before for the contest, because it was through the eyes of children and how they see the contest.
The message and how they captured it was so authentic. They asked to collaborate with me and for me do some voice overs to use in the video. They sent me a script. I recorded the audio files and sent them to them. Then I got the video. This amazing video.
This class of 5th graders, through their own creative efforts, are sharing my writing contest with younger students to inspire them to tell their story. Their focus, determination and generosity are traits that embody that of heroes. These fifth graders are selfless, creative and empowered. And they want other students to share their own voice.
I asked Eric to share with me what his students were like. Here was his response:
“My students are fifth graders and I have the great fortune of keeping them all day long. No class changing! My students are from all over the world. We our a huge military town and our school (Double Churches Elementary) is primarily comprised of military families. Being so transient it is even more imperative that my students have the most incredible learning experiences in the world. We absolutely love learning about the world and how we can solve the problems facing our communities.”
I learned that everyone in the class was involved and about some of the other creative projects they had done. Earlier this year they design and printed a 3D Printed ornament that they sold to save a school in Kimilili, Kenya. They raised $4,000 in 8 days. They also gave away 20 iPads to two very deserving teachers and are sending 10 more to their friends in Kimilili as a part of a learning exchange next year for his students next year.
Eric wrote “If that isn’t impressive enough, on May 12 these students photographed 25 military families, printing their photos and framing them on the spot in our school gym. They have organized some outstanding community resources for these families in addition to the prints that these families will have to remember for many years to come. This video is just one of many acts of kindness that my students have taken on. I am so proud of their work and so proud to be their teacher. 88% of my students were a grade level behind in reading entering this year. Our state testing results came in and every student is reading at or above grade level. All of my students are incredible.”
Incredible Indeed!
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