Working together 2 make a difference
Educators working collaboratively
The Article on WT2MAD!
Hi Everyone! I am a NeXT correspondent for my local paper, and today my piece was finally put into print! I'm sorry that I can't find the photos, but the article is here! Thank you for this brilliant writing opportunity!
Sarah
Kenmore 7th grader's blog inspires worldwide network of service
Laura Stockman, the Kenmore girl who started “making a difference” through a service blog in fifth grade, didn’t expect to launch a whole new trend.
She began by doing small things – making lunch for her family, or shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk – in memory of her grandfather, believing that this would help her grief. Her “25 Days to Make a Difference” blog, begun in December 2007, helped her reflect on the service work she had done and connect with others with the same goals.
Now a teacher from Melbourne,
Australia, inspired by Laura’s idea, seeks to spread the word to schools around the world. Jenny Luca, teacher of class 7C in Toorak College, Mount Eliza, connected with Laura through a Skype Web cam which enabled Laura to talk to Luca’s classroom about what she had been doing for others.
Inspired, Luca created a “ning,” an online social network to try to get teachers and students from all over the world to share what they are doing to making a difference in their own communities. The goal of “Working Together 2 Make A Difference” is to create partnerships between schools that can help students to understand that the desire to help others is universal. “The possibilities can be endless, based on the limit of your own imagination,” Luca says.
“It is fantastic that Mrs. Luca has invited others to participate in the project,” Laura said. “It allows people who don’t have blogs to communicate together and help make a difference wherever they are.”
Service projects can come in all forms, such as raising money for charity through a dance or bake sale. Students can volunteer their time after school, by cleaning up their town park, or by working at service organizations, such as their local library or animal shelter. Local communities have already started making a difference. Alden high schoolers made Christmas cards for Meals on Wheels participants and sent thank you letters to soldiers. Depew Middle held a clothing drive for Compass House. Other projects include students making regular visits to a retirement home; a contest to design an environmentally friendly shopping bag; and raising money for the Light Up the World Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing energy-efficient lighting to Third World countries.
Once school communities have done their service projects, they can post on the ning through a blog or a video. Schools can join at any time to connect and inspire. Schools, teachers or students can join the ning by following the web address: http://workingtogether2makeadifference. ning.com, and creating their own profile page.
Luca hopes that people who are self-starters and motivated can help spread the word. She says: “Just as long as there are interested people who are willing to do a small act to make the world a better place, we will be happy.”
Some of Luca’s students shared their thoughts on the service project with these joint responses.
NeXt:How were you inspired by this program?
Students:We thought it was good that at such a young age Laura realized what was wrong with the world and decided to make a difference, showing her willingness and enthusiasm to succeed. This showed us that everyone can make a difference, you don’t have to be older!
NeXt:What are some service projects your school has done?
Students:We’ve made and sold lollies [lollipops], typed for other people, worked for our moms, packaged and put information into envelopes, taught computer lessons to parents, filed for some teachers, and held a car wash.
NeXt:What do you like about helping others?How does it make you feel?
Students: It makes us realize that however bad our day is, there is always someone having a worse day and we can do something about it.
Sarah Hanson is a freshman at Alden High.
Sarah
Kenmore 7th grader's blog inspires worldwide network of service
Laura Stockman, the Kenmore girl who started “making a difference” through a service blog in fifth grade, didn’t expect to launch a whole new trend.
She began by doing small things – making lunch for her family, or shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk – in memory of her grandfather, believing that this would help her grief. Her “25 Days to Make a Difference” blog, begun in December 2007, helped her reflect on the service work she had done and connect with others with the same goals.
Now a teacher from Melbourne,
Australia, inspired by Laura’s idea, seeks to spread the word to schools around the world. Jenny Luca, teacher of class 7C in Toorak College, Mount Eliza, connected with Laura through a Skype Web cam which enabled Laura to talk to Luca’s classroom about what she had been doing for others.
Inspired, Luca created a “ning,” an online social network to try to get teachers and students from all over the world to share what they are doing to making a difference in their own communities. The goal of “Working Together 2 Make A Difference” is to create partnerships between schools that can help students to understand that the desire to help others is universal. “The possibilities can be endless, based on the limit of your own imagination,” Luca says.
“It is fantastic that Mrs. Luca has invited others to participate in the project,” Laura said. “It allows people who don’t have blogs to communicate together and help make a difference wherever they are.”
Service projects can come in all forms, such as raising money for charity through a dance or bake sale. Students can volunteer their time after school, by cleaning up their town park, or by working at service organizations, such as their local library or animal shelter. Local communities have already started making a difference. Alden high schoolers made Christmas cards for Meals on Wheels participants and sent thank you letters to soldiers. Depew Middle held a clothing drive for Compass House. Other projects include students making regular visits to a retirement home; a contest to design an environmentally friendly shopping bag; and raising money for the Light Up the World Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing energy-efficient lighting to Third World countries.
Once school communities have done their service projects, they can post on the ning through a blog or a video. Schools can join at any time to connect and inspire. Schools, teachers or students can join the ning by following the web address: http://workingtogether2makeadifference. ning.com, and creating their own profile page.
Luca hopes that people who are self-starters and motivated can help spread the word. She says: “Just as long as there are interested people who are willing to do a small act to make the world a better place, we will be happy.”
Some of Luca’s students shared their thoughts on the service project with these joint responses.
NeXt:How were you inspired by this program?
Students:We thought it was good that at such a young age Laura realized what was wrong with the world and decided to make a difference, showing her willingness and enthusiasm to succeed. This showed us that everyone can make a difference, you don’t have to be older!
NeXt:What are some service projects your school has done?
Students:We’ve made and sold lollies [lollipops], typed for other people, worked for our moms, packaged and put information into envelopes, taught computer lessons to parents, filed for some teachers, and held a car wash.
NeXt:What do you like about helping others?How does it make you feel?
Students: It makes us realize that however bad our day is, there is always someone having a worse day and we can do something about it.
Sarah Hanson is a freshman at Alden High.
Add a Comment
3 Comments
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Comment by Sarah Hanson on May 22, 2009 at 10:26am -
Thank you both!! I did it for this, recognizing the amazing people in my life that really make a difference, and need to be heard and known about! [ :
P.S.---- Maybe we could even do an article about something else in the future, Ms. Luca! [ :
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Comment by Erin B. Tryka on May 22, 2009 at 4:47am - Sarah, I am so proud of you! What an amazing piece to have published in the Buffalo News. Kepp up all the great work you have been doing. I always love to see former students accomplishing goals and making a difference!
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Comment by Jenny Luca on May 21, 2009 at 3:36pm - Sarah, This is truly wonderful. I have shared it with my students and with the administrative staff from my school. You have done a wonderful job letting people know about this site and the good work that is shared here. Thank you so much. : )
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I am not inside your head.
I can't predict what you will say.
I can't control your feelings,
Even if I hope you feel that way.
Today you tell me one story,
And tomorrow you'll tell another.
How do I know what to believe,
Why should I even bother?...
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