In our classrooms, teachers want to engage students in cross-curricular investigations that will provide a basis for interaction, communication, inclusion, and community building. Our teachers believe that meaningful inclusion happens when they come together to collaborate and design learning that is accessible for all learners. Teachers often incorporate social justice and environmental issues into projects to help our students see the bigger world around them. At the same time, they also focus on their local community.
One of our secondary schools asked, how might our students collaborate across classes to engage in community projects?
The teachers have noticed that the students really enjoying working together on these projects are growing their empathy and community building skills, in a very supportive environment. Students from our projects are feeling more connected to their peers in the school and are excited to be working with local organizations. We have noticed an increase in awareness of both self and peers, as well as increased understanding of local issues such as food security.
