Integrating stories of diversity in a meaningful way.
In the United States, the question of how schools are responding to diversity has never been more relevant. There is a growing rate of discrimination and dehumanizing actions towards human beings due to race, language, origin, socio-economic status, gender preferences, and so forth. The lack of respect and value towards diversity separate people and generate different forms of violence. Our project is designed to bring people together through their stories integrating digital storytelling which is proven to deepen student learning in a meaningful way. Such learning, often described as meaningful learning or deeper learning,
Enables critical thinking, flexible problem-solving, and transfer of skills and use of knowledge in new situations (Smithsonian, 2017.)
Telling stories builds identities.
Stories make us human, thus, learning to tell stories can help people make build identity, and get sense of the world. Through stories, people can learn and understand histories and cultures, take perspective, and develop a sense of empathy and respect for others. People who recognize diversity and the value that each person brings build bridges. The project will be a sustainable child-centered project that helps teachers and children be empathetic to diverse individuals and communities.
During the project, children will explore their identities and history through children’s books and artworks using the Harvard Project Zero research-based thinking routines to help them leverage their thinking to reach a deep understanding of diversity.
A child centered project.
We expect them to build trusting relationships, ensure safety and inclusion, make diversity visible, setting high expectations, deepen learning opportunities and learn and grow while they are invited to create and share their stories. This type of environment of guided creative self- expression and learning will be enhanced by current technology and high-quality adult-child interaction.
DIGITAL STORYTELLING
CREATIVITY