Third Grade Shares “Be the Change” [Video, photos]

Third graders are wrapping up a unit on Changemakers. A Changemaker is one who desires change in the world and gathers knowledge and resources to make that change happen. Over several weeks of study the students learned that everyone has the potential to make a positive difference. Changemakers demonstrate empathy and courage. They believe in a better world and see themselves as having the power to improve it - and that conviction is a great trait to nurture in students. 

The essential questions for the unit were: 

• Why do people create change? 
• How can I make a change in the world around me? 
• How can understanding the past help shape the future?

The students engaged with numerous resources and identified, researched and wrote about a Changemaker they found inspirational. Some stand up for animal rights, environmental issues, women’s rights, human rights and civil rights. 

To share their learning, the third graders hosted a March for Change around the Shorecrest campus on January 28. Along the walk students chanted, “Be you, and be the change!” They paused in front of Upper School’s Landy Hall, the Middle School quad and the Athletic Center flagpole as central points to share poems, songs and short bios of the Changemakers they selected to study. Students from other divisions felt inspired to listen in or join in. It was an opportunity for students to express their individual passions, while showing support and respect for each other’s passions and beliefs. As a direct connection to our Core Values, the Chargers learned how to responsibly display knowledge, integrity and compassion while respecting each other’s differences.

The culminating event for the young Changemakers was the third grade performance, “Be The Change,” on February 4. The show was developed by Lower School Music Teacher Ms. Marilyn and the third grade teaching team in 2019. Through a moving, thought-provoking performance, third grade students share the message that everyone is responsible for making a difference in the world through compassion and empathy.

Watch the "Be the Change" performance video: https://vimeo.com/673319829

View March for Change photos:

Flickr album: Third Grade March for Change | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

 

View Be the Change performance photos: 

Flickr album: Be the Change, Feb. 2022 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin