Social Justice Activity Katie Cifaratta Name of Organization: MAP: Growing Green (The Massachusetts Avenue Project) "Building the local community through food, urban farming and entrepreneurship" Their Mission: MAP nurtures the growth of a diverse and equitable community food system to promote local economic opportunities, access to affordable and nutritious food, and social-change education. http://www.mass-ave.org/ Contact Information: MAP (Administrative Offices) 271 Grant Street Buffalo, New York 14213 Phone 716-882-5327 Growing Green Urban Farm 389 Massachusetts Avenue Buffalo, New York 14213 Phone 716-882-5327 ext.2 Population Served: MAP serves people from the urban community around Massachusetts Avenue. Background Information for Students: Since there are not any grocery stores that are within walking distance of this neighborhood, community members have trouble making it to the store and they also have difficulty finding fresh produce. The corner stores in this area do not sell any produce or fresh fish, so this urban garden is somewhere
Transcript
Social Justice ActivityKatie Cifaratta
Name of Organization: MAP: Growing Green (The Massachusetts Avenue Project)
"Building the local community through food, urban farming and entrepreneurship"
Their Mission: MAP nurtures the growth of a diverse and equitable community food system to promote local economic opportunities, access to affordable and nutritious food, and social-change education.
http://www.mass-ave.org/
Contact Information: MAP (Administrative Offices) 271 Grant StreetBuffalo, New York 14213Phone 716-882-5327
Growing Green Urban Farm 389 Massachusetts Avenue Buffalo, New York 14213Phone 716-882-5327 ext.2
Population Served: MAP serves people from the urban community around Massachusetts Avenue.
Background Information for Students:
Since there are not any grocery stores that are within walking distance of this neighborhood, community members have trouble making it to the store and they also have difficulty finding fresh produce. The corner stores in this area do not sell any produce or fresh fish, so this urban garden is somewhere where the community members can go to get their food. If you cannot afford to pay for the food, then the people at MAP will let you work in the garden to earn your food.
“The Massachusetts Avenue Project proudly hosts the Growing Green Program, a youth development and urban agriculture program about increasing healthy food access and improving our communities. Our program and policy work is all about making our food system more local and inclusive. We focus on employing youth to work in the areas of:
Urban Farming and Aqua-ponics Healthy Eating & Accessing fresh local food Supporting local farms and businesses Sustainable food production and Social Enterprise Growing Green's current projects include a seasonal urban farm, a youth-run enterprise, a farm to school
initiative, a mobile market and various community educational events and workshops” (as per their website).
Description of Activity:
The teacher can begin by explaining the growing need for urban gardens and explain that they are needed right here, in Buffalo. The teacher should have the students come up with some of their own ideas about how they can help fight this problem. In addition to their ideas:
The students can take a tour of the urban garden and volunteer to help with the different tasks that need to be done.
The classroom can plant fruits and vegetables at the school, indoors during the winter, and outdoors during the warmer weather. The food that grows can be given to a community that is in need of fresh produce.
The class can adopt a gardening bed at the urban garden and receive updates about it. The class can research the benefits of fresh, organic produce. Reflect on what they have learned.
Overall, the students should learn how to help others that are less fortunate than they are. They should feel good about helping their community, and they should learn while doing it.
Just Food www.justfood.org City Farmer www.cityfarmer.org Green Guerillas, www.greenguerillas.org Rochester Roots, www.rochesterroots.org NOFA-NY, www.nofany.org NYFarms! www.nyfarms.info
National Resources:
Kitchen Gardeners, www.kitchengardeners.org American Community Gardening Association, www.communitygarden.org Community Food Security Coalition, www.foodsecurity.org Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, www.lincolninst.edu/index-high.asp Growing Power Community Food Center www.growingpower.org The Food Project, www.thefoodproject.org
Books: Farm in the City by Olivia Bennett (ISBN: 0241112028) Growing a City Garden by Harcourt School Publishers Collections (ISBN: 0153272708)
Lecacy Project: Intergenerational Mentoring
Name of Organization: Legacy Project
Contact Information:
By Phone(905) 640-8914 or 1-800-772-7765
By Fax(905) 640-2922
By E-mail
By MailLegacy Projectc/o 9 Lobraico LaneWhitchurch-Stouffville, ONL4A 7X5 Canada
Population Served: Elderly
Background Information for Students: Senior citizens often live alone and do not have family members visiting them often. This causes them to get lonely. As students, you can learn a great deal from the elderly. They would love to pass down information about their life experiences in order to create a sort of “legacy.” Not only can you learn from the elderly, but they can also learn about your generation, especially those who do not have grandchildren.
Description of Activity: Students will visit with a senior citizen and interview him/her about his/her life. This person may be a
grandparent, a friend, or any other person they know over 50, as long as it is not a parent. If the students does not know anyone, they may (with assistance from their teacher) visit with someone in a retirement home.
Students will then participate in the “Listen to a Life” contest (http://www.legacyproject.org/contests/ltal.html ) They will be required to find enough information about that person in order to write a 300-word creative story depicting the person’s life.
Students may also be asked to remain in contact with this person throughout the year for other projects such as: reading to them, playing games with them, making cards for them, etc.
Other: - I would ask the students how they felt about helping and donating to the people at the mission.- I would also explain and stress how important it is to help others so that we can help create a better
environment to live in.- I would end the lesson in asking what other ways people can help the environment.
Scoring Criteria: Social Justice Activity reflects well developed knowledge bases for, and conceptualizations of, diversity and inclusion so that all children will benefit. Theme reflects the culture of acceptance and is related to a timely happening for the month. Lessons and activities highlight the experiences of an underrepresented group.
Name of Organization: Haven house
Contact Information: Haven House (716) 884-6000 PO Box 451 Buffalo, NY 14205
Population Served: Homeless families and children
Background Information for Students: I would ask my students what it means to be homeless. I would then ask how people become homeless. I would then tell them sometimes whole families are homeless and there are places that help those families, places like Haven House
Description of Activity:We will discuses what things people who are homeless do not have. I will ask the students what they think
are the most important things a homeless family would needWe will then make a list of things that we think the families in the shelter will need. i.e :
Shampoo Soap Toothbrush Toothpaste Socks ect.
We will then look at the web site that tells what they are in need for http://www.havenhouseshelter.org/you.html
After we look to see what they are asking for we will bring in items of that list and I will bring them to the haven house.
http://www.havenhouseshelter.org/mission.htmlhttp://horizonsforhomelesschildren.org/Statistics.aspBeatrice's Goat by Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter (Jun 22, 2004)Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler (Mar 22, 1993)
Other: I would continue to bring up and support the Haven House throughout the year. Chrismast time we could bake cookies or collect ingredients to make cookies to donate so the families in Haven House could cook together. Easter we could drop eggs and Easter baskets off.
Social Justice ActivityBuffalo City Mission
Name of Organization: Buffalo City Mission
Contact Information: www.buffalocitymission.org100 East Tupper StreetBuffalo NY 14203(716) 854-8181
Population Served: The Buffalo City Mission strives to raise funds and donations for the homeless and low-
income families of Western New York.
Background Information for Students: Mission Statement: Our mission is to develop and maintain a volunteer program that
serves as an extension to Buffalo City Mission staff and enhances the services provided to homeless and low-income men, women and children; and to educate the community about Buffalo City Mission, its residents’/clients’ needs, and how to partner in ministry
Most students know about homelessness and that it can affect many different people, but all students need to become aware of this. I would first start by having the students listen to the book Why Do People Live on the Streets? by Kaye Stearman, and then ask the students what it would be like to be homeless. I would bring to their attention that homelessness is all around them in Buffalo, and you do not need to travel far to see people who are in need of help. From this I would then inform the students on the different ways to help those who are less fortunate. This is where City Mission will be introduced as an organization that is striving to help homeless men, women, and children in the Buffalo area, while also providing necessary needs for the individuals.
Description of Activity:The activity would start by giving the students background information about
homelessness. I would read to the students various sections out of Exploring Tough Issues: Why do people live on the streets? by Kaye Stearman, depending on what grade level is being taught. In this book there is great information with easy to read text along with colorful pictures support it. This book gives a clear definition of what homelessness is, and examples of the reasons why people are homeless.
After the read aloud a discussion about the book would follow. The class would discuss what it would be like to be homeless, and some of the objects would you not have. I will be writing the different points the class says on a piece of chart paper or smart board. Next, the class would think of some ways that we could help as a class and possibly the whole school. Again, I would write down the students’ suggestions. After the discussion the class will vote on one or two items on the list to participate in. I would suggest that the class bring in old clothes that do not fit anymore that we could give to other children who may need them more. At this time I
would point out how great it is that our class is so diverse because this way we can help a wide range of people in our community. The Buffalo City Mission also accepts other things, which is why I have attached the list of most currently needed items. The class could extend the activity by inviting the whole school to become involved by bringing in other items on the list if possible.
To support the homeless and to help out our community I would have the students bring in some of their old clothes that they do not wear, including shirts, pants, jackets, boots, and shoes because these are all items on the City Mission’s list of current needs. As a class we will collect these items for a month. Once the collection is over I would deliver the clothes to the Buffalo City Mission, and if possible take some pictures of the families and people that the children were helping. This way the students can see who they are helping by making connections to families holding there own belongings. I think that this will make the activity even more meaningful for each student.
Resources (Web Sites, Books, Magazines, DVDs, etc.) http://www.buffalocitymission.org/site/PageServer?pagename=support_volunteer Exploring Tough Issue: Why do people live on the streets? by Kaye Stearman
Other:Another great book that I found is Let’s Talk about Staying in a Shelter by Elizabeth Weitzman. This could be used to understand the homeless even more through the eyes of a child. The book describes what some shelters look like and how the child feels about staying in the shelter. This could help the students understand how some homeless people really feel and some of the challenges that they go through every day. I would place this book and others like it in the reading center. That way if they wanted to learn more they could have easy access to the books.
The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins by Lester L. Laminack
The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant
The Wooden Bowl - El bol de madera by Ramona Moreno Winner (this book is multicultural)http://www.elderwood.com/http://www.elderwood.com/volunteers.html
Other:
There are many activities which could extend this lesson. The children could learn some
holiday songs from different cultures and sing them at the nursing home. Elderwood loves to have
performances done and the elderly people will often sing-a-long. Also, students could each get an
elderly “pen-pal” in which they send a holiday card thanking them for letting the class come and
visit. I feel like making the activity more personal, and letting them get to know a person who is
staying at Elderwood could really help teach the students about the elderly and how to care for
them. Elderwood can assign patients to each student and they are usually ones who don’t have as
much of a family, so the extra attention is really needed. Lastly, another opportunity for the children
would be to choose their favorite holiday book and take them to the nursing home to read to the
elderly people and share what they enjoy about the stories. I feel like doing all these activities
together would be ideal because it would really give the children a sense of worth and show them
that the elderly people are people just like the ones they know and that they need love and
attention and people to care for them. The holidays are sometimes a lonely time for some patients
and this activity could bring in some extra spirit and cheer.
Social Justice Activity – If the World Were a Village
Background Information for Students: The world’s population will reach 7 billion this year and too often we get the impression
that most people in the world are as fortunate as ourselves, but this is not the case. The trade book, If the World Were a Village by David Smith, is a great way to introduce the diversity of the world to students. There are many extensions that can be applied to this topic. This book writes about what the world would look like if it were to be shrunk to only 100 people. It discusses issues from race to religion, food security to pollution. The lesson about this book could be taught to 4th or 5th grade students because the reading does include a lot of facts that I think may be difficult for younger grades to understand.
Description of Activity:Students will break up into groups and each group will receive a copy of the book, If the
World Were a Village. Students can share the reading of the book and choose one page that appeals to them most. Students may have access to computers or library materials to explore the issue on the page their group has chosen so that they can gain some more information about what they have chosen. Students can share their findings as groups in front of the class. Regarding every topic in the book, there is something that the students can do to help or an activity that they can do to better understand.
Nationalities – Students can be connected to a pen pal in a different country or interview a guest that can be brought into the classroom. We can role play to visually portray the statistics shown in the book so that students get a better understanding of the populations’ racial distribution.
Languages – Students can learn how to say key phrases (Hello, How Are You, Goodbye) in a variety of languages so that if they were to encounter someone who didn’t speak the same language, they would still be able to communicate.
Ages – Students can interview their grandparents or other elder to compare his or her life to their own.
Religions – As in our holiday activities, students can celebrate religious holidays from across the world based on the time they occur in their respective countries.
Food – Students can create a food diary that logs the amount of food/type of food that they consume each day and compare it to what people eat in low income parts of our country and other countries.
Air and water – Students can start a recycling program in the classroom to help protect air and water resources. We can also be more conscious of the amount of water we waste each day. Watch the Story of Stuff videos.
School and work – Students can set up a video chat with students in a different classroom and compare how they learn to how the other students seem to be learning.
Money and possessions – Students can attempt to go a week without using electronics or without playing with their favorite toy and report back how it felt to be without it. Watch the Story of Stuff Videos.
Energy – Students can talk about sources of energy. We can make our own simple machines to create power through a circuit.
Health – Students can make sure that they are getting the right nutrition by eating their vegetables. We can review the food pyramid and discuss what it means to be healthy. We can
make boo-boo bunnies for sick children at a local hospital (washcloths to hold ice, held together with a ribbon and topped with goggle eyes.)
Resources (Web Sites, Books, Magazines, DVDs, etc.):Miniature Earth Project - http://www.miniature-earth.com/Story of Stuff - http://www.storyofstuff.com/If the World Were a Village by David Smith
Other:I think that this book is a great social justice resource. There are so many extensions that
can be applied to the issues it discusses that the possibilities are endless. Teachers do not have to do an activity for every page, but can pick and choose which topics they feel are most relevant to their class.
Social Justice Activity
Name of Organization: Locks of Love
Contact Information: Mailing Address:Locks of Love 234 Southern Blvd.West Palm Beach, FL 33405-2701
Population Served: Children under the age of 21 suffering from long term medical conditions that lead to hair loss. Children must be residents of the United States of America, or Canada.
Background Information for Students:Students would benefit from the following:
1. Locks of Love is a non-for-profit organization that helps out children in the US and Canada who are losing their hair.
2. Alopecia is the first major causes of hair loss at a young age. Alopecia has four different degrees: loss in bands around the scalp margins, loss of scalp hair except along the scalp margins, loss of all scalp hair, and loss of all scalp and all body hair. Sometimes hair grows back and sometimes it does not. There is not cure for alopecia.
3. Cancer is the second major cause of hair loss. Some types of radiation and chemotherapy result in permanent hair loss.
4. Hair loss is not contagious. It does not make you feel physical pain and unless associated with another disease, it does not make you sick. However, hair loss does have negative emotional effects.
Description of Activity: The first thing we will do is read The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven. This book
explains the stages of alopecia and walks the reader through the emotional hardships that someone who loses their hair faces. We will discuss what we read. I will ask questions such as: Would you want to wear a wig all the time? Have you ever worn a wig for Halloween? Did your head feel itchy? Did you feel like yourself? What if you came to school with pink hair tomorrow? Would anyone notice that you looked different? Would people talk about you? What if you came to school tomorrow with no hair at all? Do you think that people would laugh at you? I will have students write a brief journal entry answering the question: What would happen if you came to school tomorrow with no hair?
Second, we will talk about who is affected by hair loss (children with alopecia and some children with cancer) and what we can to do to help children with these diseases because it is not their fault. We will watch a video of a six year old who suffers from alopecia. The first minute of this video is very touching, as a six year old tells us how he wears a bandana to school and never takes it off because other classes laugh at him. We will discuss Locks of Love and how they make children wigs so they fit in and do not get made fun of. I will also ask the students for other ideas about one way we could make someone with hair loss problems feel comfortable in our school. Students will continue their journal answering the question: What is one way we can help someone who has hair loss symptoms?
Resources: (Web Sites, Books, Magazines, DVDs, etc.) locksoflove.org (The official Locks of Love Website) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiN9DrK_gfc&feature=related (youtube clip of a 6
year old with alopecia) http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Alopecia_Areata/alopecia_areata_ff.asp (fast fact
sheet about alopecia) http://volunteerguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/locks-of-love.htm (volunteer information) http://www.naaf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_alopecia_intro (more about
alopecia) http://www.childrensalopeciaproject.org/cap/index.php (more about children’s alopecia) http://revivewigs.com/books.php (book reviews of the children’s books mentioned
below) Book: Princess Alopecia by Yaacov Peterseil Book: The Princess Who Lost Her Hair: An Akamba Legend, by Tololwa M. Mollel Book: The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven Book: Wig! By Laura Levine
Other: I would love to do an extension activity during lunch or even the entire next day I will
ask students to wear a wool hat. This hat will represent a wig that a child with hair loss may wear every day. When students are questioned by other classmates in the school, they will explain what we are learning about in class, and spread the word about Locks of Love. When we debrief, students will discuss the reaction of people around them, and the physical comfort level of the “wig” they were wearing.
Social Justice Activity
Name of Organization: Appalachia Elementary
Contact Information: Phone (276) 565-5115 Address: 3965 Kent Junction Rd Appalachia, VA 24216
Wise County
Population Served: 371 students
Background Information for Students: The students will be completing a social justice activity that involves them
learning about schools in poverty. The teacher will ask the students what they think poverty means and wait for
them to respond. After the teacher will discuss with the class what poverty is and that there are schools in poverty
that may have a limited resources, such as paper, pens, backpacks etc. The teacher should also talk to the students
about poverty schools and how there are parents or guardians who may not have a large income to furnish their
children with the proper necessity when attending school.
Description of Activity: The students will then practice the method of a jigsaw. The teacher will provide the
students with websites to aid them in the jigsaw. The students will break into four groups and using an index card
come up with four facts about what poverty is and people who suffer from poverty using the websites provided by
the teachers. The student groups will then share their facts with the rest of the class. A discussion will follow as to
what events lead to poverty, such as no jobs, low income jobs etc. By using a jigsaw and the web it will allow the
students to understand more fully what are poverty is. Then the class will help the poverty school of Appalachia
Elementary in Virginia.
The teacher will then have the students write letters to Wal-Mart and Target stating their mission and
asking if they could please donate schools supplies to the poverty school that they had agreed upon earlier. In the
letter the students should express why their poverty school needs the school supplies donated and the circumstances
Scoring Criteria: Social Justice Activity reflects well developed knowledge bases for, and conceptualizations of, diversity and inclusion so that all children will benefit. Theme reflects the culture of acceptance and is related to a timely happening for the month. Lessons and activities highlight the experiences of an underrepresented group.
Name of Organization: Food Bank of Western New York
Contact Information: 91 Holt Street Buffalo, N.Y 14206 (716) 852-1305
Population Served: Serves Cattagraugus, Chatauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counties
Background Information for Students: Students will be provided information (statistics for older students) about the need to fight hunger worldwide and right in Western New York through a powerpoint the teacher created as well as videos. Students understanding of the powerpoint and videos will be scaffolded through questioning. These questions could include: “What do food banks provide?” “Who do they provide their services too?” “Where is hunger apparent in the world?”
Description of Activity: As an anticipatory set, students will learn about the background information of a food bank. I will then introduce and read the book, Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by DyAnne DisSalvo-Ryan to the class. As part of the anticipatory set, students would be told that since there is an age limit on serving in a soup kitchen, they would be donating to the local food bank instead. This book will illustrate the need for volunteers who are concerned for others whether it is helping in a soup kitchen or donating food to a food bank. After reading the book, continue by explaining the concept of homelessness and how hunger is often related. The following questions could be asked to students, “What would the people who go to a food bank or soup kitchen eat if this service was not available?” “Imagine not being able to eat enough food to make you full for the day, how would that make you feel?” “How can you help others that are homeless or in need of food?” After this class discussion, students would go back to their seat and complete the worksheet that can be found on the second page of this attachment.
Importance of lesson: This lesson connects to the theme of concern for others because it allows students to see the difference they can make on others in their community. As a teacher, I would hope to receive a letter back from the food bank explaining how the contribution was helpful and why. This will show students why it is important to put in effort to help others locally and worldwide.
39 Broadway, 10th FloorNew York, NY 10006Phone: 212.566.7855Fax: 212.566.1463
Population Served:Low income families of New York City whom struggle to afford nutritious food.
Background Information for Students:● Students will have learned about nutrition, how it affects people, and what foods are
nutritionally rich. ● Students will also have learned about the1.3 million people who cannot afford
nutritious food.● Students will have learned how the Food Band for New York City helps families by
distributing food, supporting them financially, and educating about nutrition.● Students will have learned about the CookShop and Open Market BackPack
Programs within the Food Band for New York City.
Description of Activity:Students will work with partners to create a pamphlet featuring one of the 6
nutritional groups. The pamphlet will describe what benefits the food group has, what the daily recommendation is for the group, 5 examples of inexpensive food that contain this group, stores where the food is most inexpensive, how to properly clean, store, prepare, and/or cook the inexpensive food, and a fun/interesting fact.
Students will then donate copies of the pamphlet to local Food Bank centers. Where they can be used to be placed in Open Market BackPacks, where students learn about healthy food choices and choose from a variety of healthy foods to fill up their backpacks with and bring home to their families, or given out to SNAP recipients.
101+ Ways to Save Food Dollars PDFNutritional Groups and Foods
http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/foodgroups.htmlhttp://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/index.htmlhttp://www.choosemyplate.gov/budget.htmlDietary Guidelines for Family PDFHealthy, Thrifty Meals PDFThe Monster Health Book: A Guide to Eating Healthy, Being Active & Feeling Great for Monsters & Kids! By Edward MillerShowdown At The Food Pyramid by Rex BaronFood is Categorical Series by Brian P. Cleary and Martin Goneau Nutrition Fun With Brocc & Roll: A Hands-on Activity Guide Filled With Delicious Learning! by Connie Evers
Preparing Foods Safelyhttp://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/index.htmlhttp://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Basics_For_Handling_Food_Safely/index.asphttp://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=2&tax_subject=391&level3_id=0&level4_id=0&level5_id=0&topic_id=1758&&placement_default=0Healthy, Thrifty Meals PDFFood Safety by Christine Taylor-ButlerFood Alert!: The Ultimate Sourcebook for Food Safety by Morton Satin
Cost of Foods30 Ways in 30 Days to Stretch your Fruit & Vegetable Budget PDFGet Smart as You Shop PDFHealthy Shopping List PDFhttp://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/
Other:This project can be done with students in grades 4 to 8 depending on how in-
depth the pamphlet is. If this is done with older students the teacher may take the students to volunteer at The Food Bank for New York City warehouse, soup kitchen, food pantry, CookShop program, events, or survey distribution. This would be the best way for older students to understand the problem of hunger in their own city and to inspire them to continue to care about and help the cause.
Population Served: Refugee home for Immigrants and their families
Background Information for Students: Families come to Vive La Casa as refugees who have to leave their home country for one reason or another. They pay a small fee to live in this shelter which has family bedrooms, a cafeteria, computer lab and children’s room. Many of the families come to Vive with nothing and cannot afford to buy the essentials such as warm clothing, food, etc. Most families have no transportation which means they are confined to the house. Vive la Casa works with the families to get their citizenship or move to Canada where gaining citizenship is easier. Many of the children living at Vive are not enrolled in school because they are only in Buffalo for a temporary period.
I will teach the students about Immigration and what it means to come to a country and not be a citizen. I will explain that these people can’t get jobs or buy homes because they do not have citizenship. I will also explain the debate about immigration and how many people believe that immigrants to come to this country to take the jobs of American’s and live secretly without the government knowing.
Description of Activity: For this activity the students will take a field trip to see Vive La Casa. They will first get a tour of the facility to get a better understanding of the poor living conditions these immigrants face. They will see how many families all sleep in one bedroom and must share everything with other families they do not know. After, the students will be introduced to the immigrant children living in the house. They will get the opportunity to speak with them about coming to a new country, why they came, what it’s like, etc.
The next part of the activity will be for the students to clean and redecorate the children’s play room. They will throw out any old or broken toys, wash and sweep the floors, paint the walls, create posters, etc. They will try to make the children’s room more of a home for the kids who live at Vive.
After cleaning the playroom, the children will discuss how they feel about the immigrant children and if they think what some people believe is fair. I will ask them to form and share their new opinions about the life of immigrants and discuss how else we could help them.
Hannah’s Journal: The Story of an Immigrant Girl by Marissa Moss
Questions:
How would you feel if you were forced out of your home and your country?
What do you think of Vive La Casa as a place to live?
Do you think the Immigrant children are happy?
Do you think America should let Immigrants work jobs that Americans can do? Why or why not?
Should it be as difficult as it is to gain American citizenship?
What else could we do to help the immigrant children at Vive La Casa?
Social Justice Activity
Name of Organization: Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Contact Information: Roswell Park Alliance Foundation P.O. Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240
Phone: 716-845-4444
Population Served: Roswell serves more than 26,000 patients each year. Some live on site but some people just come in for treatments.
Background Information for Students: For the 26,000 patients treated each year, their mission is to maximize dollars available for Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s most promising lifesaving research, treatment and prevention programs, while supporting the psychosocial needs of patients and families touched by cancer. Roswell is using the money donated towards:
State-of-the-art medical/scientific technology and shared resources Center Growth "Quality of Life" programs benefiting patients and families Your gifts allow us to accelerate the start of new research needed to help save lives. Your gifts also assist in
the recruitment of top doctors and scientists and provide programs to assist patients through their cancer journey.
Supporting Roswell Park also has an impact that reaches farther than ever: initial lab research fueled by your generosity allows every dollar donated to generate an additional seven dollars in new grant funding.
Description of Activity: The students of my class will get together and create a book of the things that families and patients dealing with cancer need. They will draw pictures and write about what their fundraising is doing for these families. They will also try to encourage other students by reading the book to also participate in the fundraiser for Roswell. After the book is published and the whole school has read it the school will do a wear hat on Friday’s for the month of October. Every child that chooses to wear a hat will have to pay a dollar and all of the money collected at the end of the month will be donated to Roswell Park Institute.
Name of Organization: Cure Childhood Cancer Association
Contact Information:
200 Westfall RoadRochester, NY 14620(585) 473-0180Fax: (585) 473-0201
Brian Wirth, Executive DirectorMary Gallis, Associate Director
www.curekidscancer.com
Population Served: My class will be helping children with cancer.
Background Information for Students:
I would probably do this lesson during October since October is breast cancer awareness month (which really isn’t the same thing as what I will be teaching about in my lesson, but this is the month that the word cancer is mentioned and supported everywhere, so I feel like the students will have at least been exposed to the word cancer and maybe even have a little bit of background knowledge).
To develop an understanding of what cancer is, and how it affects people, in this case children with this illness, I will read the story “The Lemonade Club” by Patricia Pollacco to my students. This is a story about a young girl in school who has cancer, and what her classmates and teacher do to help her deal with this illness. It is a very inspiring story to read to young children to help them understand the basics of cancer. I would read this story and then discuss to students that this is an illness that has directly affected my family and it is something that I firmly believe in helping as much as possible. One of the phrases in the story says, “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” We would discuss what this means and come to the conclusion that this is when you see the positive or good in a difficult or tough situation. One thing that is especially important in mentioning when discussing cancer is that leukemia (which is what the little girl in the story had) and any form of cancer is a non-communicable disease which means you cannot catch it. Cancer is not like a cold or the flu which is transferred from one person to another.
Description of Activity:
I would have my class help in hosting the event called “Locks of Love” at our school and have it be a school wide event, since in the story that we read the students all shave their heads. Obviously I would never force any students to participate in this if they do not wish, however I would encourage them to at least spread the word. Maybe we could host a community event in which the school hosts this “Locks of Love” event in the school gymnasium or cafeteria during
after school hours. We could advertise all around the school explaining what this event is, and how the hair donated during this event would be donated to a local cancer organization for children and used to make wigs for them when they lose their hair during treatment, just like the girl did in the story. I will connect what the students are doing back to the story just so that they understand that children their age are affected by this, and that they are directly helping those children who are facing this scary illness. Having students create advertising posters and flyers to hang in the school is a great way to get them involved immediately. After advertising around school, we could also advertise around the community as well. I could have some students create extra posters and flyers and I could go post them all around the community. I could have the school post it on their website and on announcements or letters to parents. On the night of the event, we would maybe have a bake sale or something of that nature that families could bring in baked goods (or I could even just bake some things or buy some cookies from the store) to sell. All proceeds would be donated to Cure Childhood Cancer Association. Also, on the night of the event, I would need to have students helping to direct people, to work the bake sale, as well as helping those who are cutting the hair. Obviously the students wouldn’t be cutting the hair, but I’m sure they could be given small tasks to complete to help the event run smoothly.
“The Lemonade Club” by Patricia Pollacco“Kathy’s Hats” by Trudy Krishner and Nadine Bernard Westcott“The Kissing Hand” by Audry Penn“Angels and Monsters” by the American Cancer Society
Another thing that my students could do to help children with cancer, is to write letters and create fun books to donate to hospitals where children are kept during their treatment. These activity books can be kept in the treatment rooms to keep the children occupied and to give them something to do. I will print out a bunch of different coloring pages, word searches, and other puzzles and ask the students to help assemble the books. I will also give the students a blank front and back page in which they can decorate. The students could also just write letters to the cancer patients. This would give the patients a little brighter day, because when they go to get treatment obviously it is not a happy experience but if they are given a card, this is something small and sweet from another child to help brighten their day a little and maybe even put a smile on their face.
Name of Organization: Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Contact Information: 219 Bryant Street Buffalo, NY 14222 (716) 878-7000
Population Served: Any woman or child in need of medical services
Background Information for Students: Belief Statement found on website:
It's often said at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo that "children are not just small adults." Medical problems of children treated by the pediatric specialists at Women & Children's are often quite different from those commonly seen by practitioners at other facilities. Therefore, our pediatric specialists use equipment, techniques and facilities specifically designed for children.
For example, children cannot always say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions, and are not always able to be patient and helpful during a medical exam. Pediatric specialists know how to examine and treat children in a way that helps them become relaxed and cooperative.
Patient areas are arranged and decorated with children in mind. This includes inpatient and examination rooms and waiting areas, which may have toys, videos and books for children, all of which help create a comfortable and non-threatening environment for young patients.
Also let them know that there are many families that have to send someone to the hospital on a regular basis and cannot afford the expenses.
Description of ActivityCoinciding with the Buffalo News Kids’ Day, our class will help promote the day in the months leading up to it. I will explain to them that each year, the Buffalo News holds a day where people can purchase the Buffalo News for $1.00 on the corners all over the Western New York area. Depending on your class grade, you can sign your class up to actually help volunteer to sell the papers, but because it is near the street, lower grades can help advertise for it. For the grades that would advertise, the students would each come up with a template for an advertisement letting people know what their money would be going to, why, when, where, etc. The class can then vote on their favorite and they can give input and then make copies to put around the school and around the town. You can have a day to go off with your class to put them on telephone poles, in store windows, and hand them out. Students will learn that they too can help even if it is not in monetary means. They will understand the consequences of their amazing actions and how volunteering can be a wonderful experience.
The month I have is March and because Kids’ Day is usually in late March/early April it is a perfect time to start advertising for the event.
Population Served: Nigerian Schools and Educational Institutions
Background Information for Students:
“Eduwatch is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer educational nonprofit organization headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland in the United States of America that provides free and low cost educational materials and resources to needy Nigerian schools and educational institutions. It was founded by Enitan Doherty-Mason, a Nigerian-American educator who has been a resident in the United States since 1976. Eduwatch is fully registered in Nigeria and believes that children are a country's most valuable resource. They are committed to ensuring the meaningful education of Nigerian children in order to promote peaceful co-existence, global understanding and a world citizenry that is both responsible and productive. Their mission is to provide all Nigerian children with access to appropriate educational resources and opportunities through schools and educational institutions” (Doherty-Mason, 2010).
Eduwatch strives to:
Solicit and distribute educational materials to needy Nigerian schools and educational institutions.
Encourage and form educational partnerships between Nigerian educational institutions, Eduwatch, and world-class institutions worldwide.
Arrange staff training opportunities for teachers in Nigerian schools through world-class organizations and reputable private individuals.
Promote adoption of schools by organizations and private individuals. Provide need-based educational sponsorships/grants to students enrolled in Nigerian
schools.
Description of Activity:
The teacher will begin the activity with a brief discussion of the living conditions, schools and children in Nigeria. She will then discuss how certain organizations such as Eduwatch are formed in order to help students who may not have the supplies to effectively learn in the classroom. Then, the teacher will brainstorm ideas with her class and explain how they have a great opportunity to help these students. Students could:
Bring in books to send to the Eduwatch headquarters Choose a school that they would like to support Adopt a school Sponsor a needy student
After brainstorming ideas, the students can vote on the best option and then decide how they are going to help. For example, if the students want to bring in books for the students in Nigeria, the teacher can provide a box in which they can drop their books into. The students do not have to buy brand new books if they cannot afford it, but could be inspired to bring in books that they are no longer using (that are in good shape). The teacher could also have students bring in their loose change and put it in a jar up front. The students can add their collections and send them to Eduwatch headquarters in which they will distribute it as needed.
For a closure activity, the students could write letters to the students in Nigeria and send them with their packages. They can explain how they wanted to help, their process of gathering supplies, and interesting facts about themselves. It will be an opportunity for them to share their thoughts with Eduwatch/ Nigerian students and truly gather their thoughts on this experience.
Books: Nigeria (A to Z) by Tamra B. Orr ISBN: 0516249541 National Geographic Countries of the World: Nigeria by Bridget Giles
ISBN:1426301243 Rain and Live in a Nigerian Village by Catherine Chambers ISBN:1429655070
Other:
Instead of OR in addition to sending school supplies to Nigeria, a teacher can find other organizations in New York that are dedicated to helping less fortunate students. One such organization, The Children’s Aid Society, collects money, books, toys and other supplies for less fortunate students/families. This organization helps students in subsidized and non-subsidized services, provides after school programs, inspires youth to succeed, and fully confronts issues involving families. It is a wonderful charity that allows students to get more involved in the lives of children their own age and understand the types of families within their community. It may be hard to choose just one organization, but it is important that teachers reiterate the simple things we can do to help others. At times we take for granted the amazing supplies we do have, and it is crucial for students to be able to understand their role in helping create an effective, safe, and inspiring school environment.
Social Justice Activity: Remembrance; Bands for Arms
Name of Organization: Bands for Arms Contact Information:
· [email protected]· www.bandsforarms.com· There is a comment box on the website where you can post comments or questions.
Population Served: United States Military Service Members, Veterans, Friends/Family of those serving/who have served. Background Information for Students: Bands For Arms is an organization that supports those in the military, veterans, and family and friends that support them both. The organization was started in 2009 by Nick Mendoza. The organizations uses donated military uniforms, of all branches, to create handmade bracelets. The bracelets are sold and the money is donated to various funds. Charities/funds he donates to include:
· The USO Japan, Stuttgart Germany and the Greater JAX Florida· Project Lifting Spirits· The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum· The EOD Wounded Warrior Foundation· The Arizona Memorial· The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund· The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Bands for Arms also creates bracelets for other causes, such as Suicide Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness. The organization started with Nick (Nicanor) and his service in the military. I have a paragraph from the Bands For Arms website that tells the story of how it began:Nicanor lost a friend in the service in 2009. His friend always wrote to Nicanor that he wished it was easier to communicate with his family back home. When Nicanor found out from his friend's mother that he had passed away, his friend's mother wished that the communication between her and her son was more than once a week while her son was stationed in the Middle East. From this experience, Nicanor decided to make a difference in the lives of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen by making a continuous effort to keep lines of communication open between Service Members and their loved ones; a goal and a visional dream for Nicanor's brothers and sisters in arms; a goal inspired by Nicanor's lost friend.Nick’s goal was to close the bridge for communication between those serving in the military and their family and loved ones back home. The bracelets are a way for everyone to support those that are serving. The idea of selling bracelets sparked when he made a bracelet using the uniform of a friend that died in the line of duty during their time served in the military. The organization is non-profit, using the money to buy further supplies and donating the rest to the mentioned charities above. Description of Activity:
In this activity, I will be helping the students do an activity that resembles what Nick does. I will ask the students, with parent/guardian permission, to bring in old clothes that they no longer use. We will cut the clothesinto strips to make our own bracelets. There will be various materials that we will use to decorate and create beautiful, meaningful bracelets. We will work as a class to make as many of these bracelets as we can. During this time, we will also be making cards to take to the veterans. We will be planning a field trip to visit the veteran home. During our visit, the students will give each of the veterans a bracelet and a card, and we will spend our time talking with the veterans, reading, playing games and so forth.
After our visit, we will sell the remainder of our bracelets at the school store and at school events to help raise money for the veterans. All of the money will go to this charity to help, just like Bands for Arms.
Other: Nick will soon have his own TV show on Lifetime, talking about Bands for Arms, projects, charities he donates to, and plans to make his organization grow.
Western New York - 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6,Williamsville, NY 14221 Phone 716.626.0600
Population Served:
This activity will benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Background Information for Students:
In order to get the student familiar with Alzheimer’s disease, I will first ask them if anyone in their family has it. Maybe they could share with us what they think it is. Then I will read the book, Stripped Shirts and Flowered Pants, by Barbara Schnurbush, and show them the video on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
Description of Activity:
Once we have read the book and did our research about Alzheimer’s, I will explain to the students that we will be participating in a walk called Walk To End Alzheimer’s to help these individuals with the disease. How can we help?
First each of the students will create a design to put on a t-shirt to represent Alzheimer’s and/or how it affects them. Then we will have a contest to decide on the best design to put on the t-shirt. I will explain to the students that now that we have designed the t-shirt, we are going to sell it around the school and our community to raise money for a generous donation to send to the Alzheimer’s Association.
We will create our own team name and we will be wearing the shirts we designed. Since it is a fieldtrip, permission slips will go home to get the parents involved in our cause. The more the merrier.
* This could also turn into a school effort to get all the classes involved in the t-shirt and walk experience to help those with Alzheimer ‘s disease.
Contact Information: Catholic Charities of Buffalo741 Delaware Ave.Buffalo, NY 14209716-218-1400http://ccwny.org/appeal/ForVolunteers/YouthVolunteers/IdeasforServicetotheCommunity/tabid/564/
language/en-US/Default.aspx
Population Served:Refugee families that are forced to leave their homeland and arrive here with few belongings
Background Information for Students: Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY, the most comprehensive human service provider serving the eight
counties of Western York (Allegany, Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming) without regard to religion, race or age, understands that the best hope for the future is optimum emotional, mental and physical health for all
Description of Activity:I will explain what Catholic Charities does and about the number of people they help. I will then let them
know that there are people who come here from other countries that had to leave a lot of their belongings at home. I will ask them how they would feel if they had to leave all of their favorite things behind. I will then explain that we will be making no-sew blankets and pillows for these families. I will send home a letter asking for monetary donations or volunteers to help the children make the blankets/pillows. In the letter I will also explain that I have written to A.C Moore, JoAnn Fabrics, and Michaels for fabric donations. (If we do not receive donations, I will buy fleece to make a few blankets) From the money donated by parents, and fleece donated by the mentioned stores, we will begin making the blankets and pillows.
Things you need: Two pieces of fleece the same size. Piece may be the same pattern, two different patterns, two plain colors or a pattern on one side and a plain color on the other.Scissors (sharp ones) Tape measure or ruler one 4" x 4" piece of paper No sew fleece blanket instructions:
1. Take your two pieces of fleece. Put one piece on top of the other lining up the edges so they are even. (one side will be the front and the other side will be the back of your blanket)
2. Instruction Pictures - - - - More Pictures3. Trim off any selvage around the edges of your fleece (try not to cut in more than 2 inches) * Remember
you need to try to cut straight, but it doesn't have to be. 4. Take your piece of 4"x4" paper lay it on the corner of your blanket. Then cut out the corner through both
layers. Proceed to do this on all four corners. 5. Now you are ready to cut your fringes. Cut 4 inches into both fleeces at 1" wide. I found it easier to lay a
tape measure across from the corner of the cut out corner to the other. 6. Your fringes don't need to be 1" exactly, just try to keep them the same size.(You don't want to have one
fringe 1" and the next one 2".)7. Proceed to cut 1" intervals on all four sides. 8. Starting on one side tie over hand knots (using one fringe from each fleece.) Tie these knots on every other
fringe around the entire blanket.
9. Then flip the whole blanket over and tie the remaining knots until your blanket is complete. (This helps your knotted ends look perfect)
10. Some prefer to only tie one knot, but I like to double knot them. This helps them from coming untied especially in the wash.
*Note*:Pillows will be much smaller, and stuff with stuffing.
Once finished, we will gather all the blankets and pillows. I will take them to the Catholic Charities office or have a person from Catholic Charities come and pick them up.
Name of Organization:Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Contact Information:Roswell Park Cancer InstituteElm & Carlton StreetsBuffalo, New York 14263
1-877-275-7724
Population Served:Leukemia Patients
Background Information for Students: Roswell Park Cancer Institute was the first cancer center opened in 1898. The founder was Dr. Roswell Park. Roswell Park Cancer Institute is very proud to be a cancer center that sets national standards for cancer care, research and education.
By giving to an institute like this the students will be supporting the cancer community, increasing patient quality of life and supporting Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a whole. Description of Activity:As a class we will work for a few weeks on knitting hats for cancer patients at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Student will learn about the Roswell Institute and what cancer is to fully understand what they are doing for someone. To get an idea of what cancer is you can use this website: http://www.roswellpark.org/cancer. The students will be allowed to work on their hats not only in there allotted time, but also throughout other subjects and classes as long as they can stay on task. The hats will be all different colors so the children at Roswell have a variety to choose from.
Contact Information: Founder, Adam Braun.Website: http://www.pencilsofpromise.org/who-we-are/our-storyTwitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PencilsOfPromis
Population Served: Underprivileged villages all over the world.
Background Information for Students: Pencils of Promise is a non-profit organization that provides education to underprivileged villages that do not have the resources available. The headquarters are located in New York City and it was founded in 2008. This organization started when the owner, Adam Braun, met a little boy in India. He asked him what he wanted most in the world, and the young boy’s response was a pencil. After that, Adam backpacked through over 50 different countries and 6 continents for 5 years handing out pencils. After those 5 years and many different conversations with families and peers, he decided there needed to a be a non-profit organization that promoted the success of young children. Pencils of Promise is committed to supporting lasting, sustainable education, and their work only begins there. They match up high potential young adults with schools and are required to check in bi-monthly to track the success of each school. With only $10, a team can educate a student for a whole month and $25 can give a child access to education. $120 provides a student with a whole year of education, while $20,000 can build and sustain a whole school. Each effort from fundraising only proves to improve the education of young children all around the world. In the words of Adam Braun, “We are proof that a generation empowered will empower the world. One child, one pencil at a time.”
Description of Activity: As an introductory discussion, we will talk about the value of education and how it can provide us with great opportunities. Then, we will talk about the situations other countries are in and how the children there may not have access to education like we do. I will ask the students to think about ways we can help those students, and then our activity will be introduced. I will inform them about Pencils of Promise and then we will discuss the activity that I have planned to help young children all over the world. There will be a letter sent home to their families notifying them of the activity planned while also asking for any donations possible. Regardless of the donations, I will be providing the students with the resources necessary for the activity. (Another extension would include having the students wrote letters to grocery stores asking for donations and ingredients.) As a class, we will be working on our math and reading skills by working together to bake brownies, cookies and cupcakes. We will hold a bake sale to fundraise money to send to Pencils of Promise. I will be responsible for handling the baking, and the students will be responsible for measuring and mixing the ingredients. Aside from the donation, we will also write a class letter to send to Pencils of Promise.
Other: I strongly believe that every student deserves an education, and I think it is very valuable to do what we can and donate money to the organizations that strive for the education of young children.
Pen Pals
Name of Organization: St. Jude Pals
Contact Information: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105
https://www.stjude.org
Population Served: Children diagnosed with cancer
Background Information for Students: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a hospital devoted to providing
cures and care for children with cancer. It opened on February 4, 1962. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment that is not covered by their insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of race, religion or the inability to pay. St. Jude serves children of all ages and nearly 6,000 patients are seen each year.
The St. Jude Pals project is a way to send letters to children being treated at St. Jude’s Hospital. Through St. Jude Pals, you can send letters, notes and pictures filled with hope, encouragement and smiles as these children undergo treatment for cancer.
Description of Activity: 1. I would first give students the background information about St. Jude’s
Hospital. I would show students the website, pictures of some children at St. Jude’s and any other resources. Also explain what cancer is and its effects on the body to the students so they have a better understanding of what these children are going through.
2. I would then explain that we will are going to be pen pals with some children at St. Jude’s. Discuss with students what they think it means to be a pen pal with someone. Explain that they will each be paired with a child at St. Jude’s and will write letters to them.
3. Review or teach students about letter writing. Teach students about different greetings, paragraphs and closings. Also teach students about addressing an envelope and using stamps.
4. Have a discussion with students about things to include in their letters. Talk about not saying things like “Get Well Soon” since many children may never “get well”. Encourage students to say things like “Thinking of You” and other encouraging words. Encourage students to talk about their hobbies and ask the children some of their favorite things.
Help students understand that although these children are very sick and in a hospital, they are still normal kids like them. They still like video games and T.V, reading, eating candy, etc.
5. Have students write their letters. Students may also wish to make cards for holidays and birthdays for their pen pals. Students may also add drawings and pictures to their letters.
6. Although the organization says you will get a response from your pen pal, you may still want to discuss the idea of not getting a letter back. Explain that even if children may not write back, getting their letter in the mail still brought a smile to their face.
Resources:General Website: https://www.stjude.org
St. Jude Pals Website:https://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b8b565c5416ae210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=11e1add6ca1ae210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&SearchUrl=search_results.jsp&QueryText=pen%20pals
Other: Other organizations could also be used for this activity. I chose St. Jude’s Hospital because I was able to find contact information and specific information about becoming a pen pal online. However, in my own classroom, I may try to contact local hospitals, such as Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Buffalo and arrange to be pen pals with children there.
SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVITYHABITAT FOR HUMANITY
NAME OF ORGANIZATION: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
CONTACT INFORMATION: BUFFALO OFFICE JOHN KORDRUPEL 995 KENSINGTON AVE BUFFALO, NY 14215
PHONE #: 204-0740 www.habitatbuffalo.org
POPULATION SERVED: Habitat for Humanity services the Buffalo area throughout nine districts. This non profit organization has given families a safe and affordable place to live. It has provided home ownership for 923 people as of September 2011. Of theses 923 people there were 604 children. In August 2011, Habitat for Humanity has built a total of 219 homes.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS:
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit charitable organization that gives families throughout the Buffalo area a place that they can call home. Habitat for Humanity is only possible through outside donations or volunteers. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses then are sold to families at no profit (meaning the organization does not get money for it) and with no interest charged.
When families are selected to receive a home they must be willing to take on the responsibility of it. Families will be asked to go to education classes to learn financing and homeownership skills. As a charitable organization, Habitat relies on private donations from individuals, foundations, religious organizations and schools.
Although students cannot volunteer on construction sites they can actively make an impact on poverty in Buffalo. One opportunity that Habitat offers schools to raise money is called Nickels for Nails. In 2011, fourteen schools (private, public, and charter) helped Habitat by donating spare change and bills into paint cans and cardboard house banks. Raising money is just one way students can help Habitat. RESTORE, is another Habitat program that encourages the collection of used house ware.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY:
PRIOR TO THIS ACTIVITY THE TEACHER I WOULD DRIVE AROUND THE BUFFALO AREA TO TAKE PICTURES OF RUN DOWN HOME AND VACANT PROPERTY (BOTH DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL). I WOULD DISPLAY THESE PICTURES IN A SLIDE SHOW OR PUT THEM ON THE FRONT BROAD. I WOULD GIVE STUDENTS A LIST OF QUESTIONS ASKING THEM WHAT CITY THEY THINK THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN AND WHAT ARE THE DANGERS. MANY STUDENTS
WILL BE SURPRISED THAT THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN IN BUFFALO. STUDENTS SHOULD BECOME AWARE THAT BUFFALO IS A CITY WITH POVERTY. ASK STUDENTS WHAT IT MIGHT FEEL OR BE LIKE IF THEY WERE TO GO HOME ONE DAY AND THEIR PARENTS TOLD THEM THEY NO LONGER HAVE A HOME. WHAT MIGHT THEY DO OR SAY? WHAT FEELS DO WE HAVE IN OUR HOME; WILL WE HAVE THESE IF WE WERE FORCED OUT?
NEXT, I WOULD INVITE JOHN KORDUPEL TO MY CLASSROOM. WITH JOHN’S HELP WE WILL INTRODUCE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO THE CLASS. THEY SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD SHOULD HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE. JOHN SHOULD PRESENT THE NICKELS FOR NAIL PROGRAM TO THE STUDENTS. EXPLAIN TO STUDENTS THAT MONEY IS JUST ONE WAY TO HELP FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN BUFFALO. I WOULD RECOMMEND TEACHERS TO SEND HOME LETTERS TO FAMILIES PRIOR TO JOHN’S VISIT TO OUR CLASSROOM. ASK PARENTS TO BRING IN OLD HOUSE-WARE PRODUCTS SUCH AS; USED PLATES, PANS, UTENSILS, BLANKETS ETC). YOU MAY WISH TO INCLUDE THAT NICKELS PROGRAM, HAVE STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT IF THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE THAT IT IS OKAY AND THEY WILL HAVE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO HELP A FAMILY.
THE LAST PART OF THIS ACTIVITY INCLUDES DRAWING AND PAINTING. I WOULD WRITE A LETTER TO AC MOORE, JOANN FABRICS, OR MICHAELS ASKING FOR A SMALL DONATION OF WOODEN SIGNS AND PAINT. STUDENTS WILL BE ASKED TO PAINT A “WELCOME HOME” GREETING ON THE WOOD. HAVE A FINAL CLASS DISCUSSION ON WHAT IT MIGHT FEEL LIKE TO FIND OUT THAT A HOME WAS DONATED TO YOU. STUDENTS SHOULD TALK ABOUT OTHER WAYS WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO SOLVE POVERTY IN OUR CITY. THIS ACTIVITY CAN BE EXTENDED TO SEVERAL OTHER TOPICS.
RESOURCES:
AC MOORE CRAFTS: http://www.acmoore.com/HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: www.habitatbuffalo.orgNICKELS FOR NAILS: http://www.habitatbuffalo.org/index.php/about-us/news/latest-news/130-nickels-for-nails-roundup
Contact Information: http://www.projectlinus.org/ and then contact your local chapter
Population Served: Seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18.
Background Information for Students: Project Linus National Headquarters is located in Bloomington, Illinois. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug. Project Linus is a non-profit organization with a two-fold mission. First, it is their mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Second, their mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.
Description of Activity: I will explain the organization to the students and the project we are going to do. I will also send a letter home informing the parents of the upcoming project. In the letter I will ask for either monetary donations to buy the fleece for the blankets or for volunteers on the day we will be making the blankets. Regardless on the donations I get I will provide all of the fleece needed for the blankets. We will be making the fleece blankets that have two layers and are knotted together. On the day that we make the blankets depending on the number of volunteers I will either call small groups of students to a table to cut and tie the blankets or have multiple small groups around the classroom with a volunteer at each group to supervise. Once the blankets are completed we will write letters to the children that are receiving the blankets in effort to give them hope and encouragement. I will then send the blankets and letters to the local Project Linus branch and they distribute the blankets to the children.
Other: I picked this organization because a student in my pre-student teaching class is currently fighting a form of bone cancer and many Project Linus blankets go to children fighting cancer. The students in the class would be able to relate to her situation and know the blankets are going to children like their classmate that need a blanket to keep them warm while at the hospital.
