Students in Melissa Ingram’s 7th-grade CTE Woodshop class worked collaboratively over the 2nd quarter to create wooden hobby horses, blocks, or cars to be gifted to foster children in our community. Ingram focused the project on helping students make a positive connection to their class curriculum and the real-life benefit it can have to help others in the community. The project-based learning created not only the important opportunity to give back to others it also connected the students to a greater understanding of the power of collaborative teamwork and community outreach.
As students reflected on the enjoyment of working together, they also recognized the importance of supporting others in their community. “This was important because even though it was a simple project, it did a lot for the kids,” reflected Katie. “I think it is important to give back to others because it can show these kids that there are people who really do care,” said Ana.
While discussing the project with the students, they quickly pointed out the positive effects helping others had on them as individuals and as a collective school community. “It was fun because it was something the whole class could do together,” said Spencer while recognizing the importance of the project to others. “This was a good project. I think it was important so they could have a good Christmas.” In addition, learning about agencies in the community who provide support for those in need was also a valuable learning experience, “I think it is important to give to others because some people do not have as much stuff, and they might need stuff that we do have, and we can help them,” shared Austin.
As the deadline approached for distributing the toys, students realized they would need a little additional Cyclone help to make sure the toys would be ready in time. Enlisting the help of the 6th grade CTE class proved to help their timeline and their creative design process. “I really enjoyed that we would design our hobby horses, and then when we would leave, the 6th graders would come in and add to our designs and make us see new perspectives,” shared Riley. This collaboration allowed the students to share the joy of giving back together, “My favorite part about the project was being able to give to others who don’t have much, but I think the project also brought the whole class together. We have been working on independent projects, but once we worked on a project together, it created a better outcome,” shared Anna. Aurora agreed the collaboration made the project even better, “My favorite part was doing community service while spending time with friends and getting to create new friendships while we worked together.”
CYMS is committed to educational excellence through focusing on school and district strategic plans, emphasizing high expectations for student learning; engaging students in 21st Century skills; celebrating achievement, and creating a safe and healthy environment.
Great job, Cyclones!
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