In preparation, we are learning about the different social agencies in Calgary. We are keeping track of the population each agency serves and what services they provide. This task fits well with our Data Management program in Math.
For the last week, we have been focused on the Drop-In Centre. We want to better understand how they help their clients because we are donating our Art Auction sales to them, and we are collecting hygiene items to give to them in care packages. (Reminder: Please have all donations in by December 11).
Students were surprised by all of the ways the Drop-In Centre helps Calgarians. We watched their video and read their 2018 Community Report (click to view).
To make sure we understand the numbers that are in the Community Report, students are creating info graphics to represent the different statistics. They are working in teams and trying to use a variety of forms of representing numbers (ex: Base Ten blocks, expanded form, words, place value charts, pictures, tallies, graphs). This fits with our Number work in Math and uses authentic numbers in a meaningful way. As we complete our representations, we will begin building a new documentation wall in the hallway outside our classroom where our "What is Art?" work used to be.
Our discussions about homelessness have brought up some deep ideas from the students. We created a list of the different things people need to survive (like, Food, Water, Oxygen, Clothing, and Shelter). But then students also wanted to list the things that every human deserves to have. This was the list we generated:
We believe, all people deserve
to:
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Have a bed to sleep on
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Have a loving family
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Be treated with kindness and respect
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Be supported in the way they need
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Not be judged
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Eat healthy and diverse food
- Have access to medicine, proper health care, mental health support, support with
addictions, dental care, rest when you’re sick
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Access to a bathroom and a shower
Today, we took up some intentional writing and created postcards to put inside the care packages for the Drop-In Centre. We want to make sure that every Calgarian feels thought of this year. No one should feel invisible.
