Plant Book : A Chance for interaction
BY JAMES PARK, JOHN YOON, ERIC KIM, MINSUNG KIM
EDITED BY YEJUNE PARK
DESIGN BY SEAN JS LEE
EDITED BY YEJUNE PARK
DESIGN BY SEAN JS LEE
March 11th to 12th, 2015 was a memorable opportunity for elementary and middle school students. The newest Layers project assigned to middle school students by Ms. Burns, the 8th Grade Science teacher, included the option for students to read a children’s picture book to elementary students teaching them about plant reproduction, or to write an essay about misconceptions on plant reproduction.
Students who chose to write a plant book for elementary students, were given a golden opportunity to interact with elementary students. This included the chance to read their own books as well as discuss and quiz their partners about the topic. “I wanted students to be able to show their understanding, in both words and pictures, and then verbally explain them rather than just writing about it,” said Ms. Burns. “I wanted my students to read to the elementary school students because I wanted them to start making stronger connections between the middle school and the elementary school.” |
Anyone who participated in the plant book reading would agree that Ms. Burns’ objectives were fulfilled, as students were able to relate to each other allowing the otherwise stagnant relationship to evolve. Assignments that allow students to interact with others, such as the Plant Book, pave the way for new and more innovative ideas that can, and will, revolutionize the way students learn.
“I liked how we were able to exchange stories and interact with each other,” said Joonyoung Jang (8). “I think assignments like these help us to know more about the elementary students,” said Jae Yong Lee (8). “I want more assignments like this because I want to interact with other students,” said Jocelyn Lee (8). This clearly shows that Ms. Burns was able to achieve her goals, which was connecting the school together. SIS lacks the sense of community a school needs in order to be effective. What’s the point of being academically superior if we do not know students from other grades? No other international schools will be able to compete with SIS in any field, whether it is academic, physical education or artistic skills, if SIS can stand united as a school. |