First Grade Giving Back PBL

Yesterday was an absolutely amazing day!  I had the privilege of participating in the culmination of a First Grade project that started back in September on International Dot Day.  Our First Graders learned about the importance of making their mark on the world.  They brainstormed with high school students to identify some ways they could make a difference in the world.  They narrowed it down to our area and found a local organization that helps homeless teens.  First graders planned a way to raise money that involved our entire school district.  They wrote letters to all campus principals asking for campus participation and then created posters to advertise.  For two weeks, students who chose to participate brought pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars in order to participate in fun activities.  Each day had a designated coin.  Some activities included:  wear pajamas, bring a stuffed animal, crazy hair day, etc.  Classes created videos to promote their project across the district.  Check out the link below:

At the conclusion of their money collection, first grade students collected $3,618.00!!!

Teachers went shopping over Thanksgiving break and purchased items that were needed for the shelter.  This week students worked to wrap the gifts and yesterday all of First Grade visited the shelter and presented their gifts.  It was a day full of meaning and hope......not only for the kids who live at the shelter but for our students, parents and teachers.  One of the shelter teens shared with our kids how amazing it was that kids so young had made such a huge impact.  I know it was a day no one will forget.  

Our students shared their gifts and how they had collected the money.  Teens from the shelter took our students on a tour of the shelter and told them a little about how they live and what life is like at the shelter.  They ate lunch together and our firsties sang a few songs.  Check out their final performance!

I'm so proud to say I'm a Pirate and I work with teachers who truly make a difference!

Jammie