My students need an Apple MacBook Pro and a digital camera to enhance our learning environment with journalists tools.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Blake's classroom raised $2,372
This project is fully funded
My Students
My students live in rural SC, just outside of Charleston. Despite the proximity, many don’t have opportunities to explore the rich culture around them, nor do many of them truly understand the value of their educational experiences. Due to the lack of opportunity and low income in this area, our school became arts infused to help bring these experiences to our children and challenge them with high expectations. During the 2015-2016 school year, our school added an “Advanced Studies” program, which is the first academically challenging program in our rural part of the district. My class, during the 2016-2017 school year, will be the first 4th grade class of the Advanced Studies program. Beginning this year I will use journalism, in addition to authentic, project-based learning, to keep my students engaged and push them to succeed in their new and challenging academic environment.
My Project
The Advanced Studies program at our school is all about tapping students' potential so they can excel at high academic standards. In our program, we strive to create an authentic learning environment in which students can put to use the skills and knowledge they are learning in "real world" settings. To provide my 4th grade students with this authentic learning environment, I created the Eagle's Nest Publishing House. This mock work environment will allow students to study all fourth grade objectives through a journalistic lens, while implementing their skills in a "career".
The MacBook Pro and digital camera will allow students to edit and publish a variety of authentic publications for a wide range of audiences, including a full length magazine at the end of the year.
Students will also maintain a blog and digital portfolio of their work in all subject areas.
During the first semester, students will be welcomed into the publishing house as "interns" and learn a variety of jobs (ex: editors, staff writers, photographers, etc.) needed to keep the publishing house running successfully. At the conclusion of the first semester, students will learn to write resumes and cover letters, and will be invited to apply for a "paid" position with the publishing house. A classroom economy will teach students the differences between salary vs. wage positions, how to maintain a checking account, create a budget, etc.
It is my goal that this approach will allow students to not only master the skills set forth by the SC curriculum, but also gain valuable "college and career readiness skills" that often are difficult to find time to teach.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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