Thursday we are launching our first PBL at work for 2012. I am so excited about this project!
Our students will be reading the novel, "Among the Hidden". In this novel, Luke and Jen are third children in a society where third children are not allowed. They are forced to hide and basically cannot live their life. Jen decides that she does not want to be oppressed like this, so she gets all of the third children together and plans a rally to try and change the policy. Luke chickens out and does not go to the rally. Jen and the other third children are all killed at the rally trying to change the policy, and Luke is left with the job of picking up where Jen left off. He decides to dedicate his life to seeing that policy be changed.
Our students will read this novel and then compare it to the oppression that the southern states felt before the Civil War. This is what they are studying in their history class, so it should tie in pretty well. They will look at what state's rights were being violated and what the southern states did to change those polices. (They seceded and formed the Confederacy.)
Along the way, students will read short articles about real people in present day who have fought to have policies changed. The reading teks for the 6 weeks are creating persuasive arguements. Therefore, the students will then pick a topic that they feel oppresses them and they will create a persuasive argument that could lead to a new policy to change it.
In order to launch a project, we have to have a hook, which is something that will catch our student's attention and make them interested in the project. Rachel and I have been brainstorming on what our hook could be for weeks today, and it finally came to me today.
MOLLY.
Molly was a friend of mine that drowned in the summer of 2003 when we were all on family vacation. Since then, Molly's family has fought for lifeguards and medical equipment to be available on Florida beaches. They have tried numerous times to get Florida to listen to their argument, but it has been to no avail. Finally, in 2010, Alabama started listening. They shared their argument, and in the end, a new policy was put forward-- Molly's Patrol. Lifeguards on the beach in Orange Beach, Alabama. They saved numerous lives last summer and will hopefully continue to do so in the future. We decided this was a perfect example to share with the students.
Therefore, I have been gathering materials for the hook tonight. Articles online about Molly and Molly's Patrol, pictures, letters from her parents, etc. It has got me remembering my sweet, sweet friend tonight. I am so thankful for the chance for her story to be shared with 300 students this week. The memories of Molly's friendship have brought tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart, but have also renewed my hope in eternity! You were a beautiful, amazing, caring friend, Molly... this world hasn't been the same since you left! You will always, always be missed. And your life legacy will continue living through all of us--- We will share your story and fight for policies in your name until we cant anymore. I am so blessed to have been able to call you "friend".
I love this picture. This was taken on our first day of the trip. I love that Molly is front and center. We decided we wanted to take this picture, and she was in the bedroom doing something. Right before the picture was taken, she ran out giggling and laughing and dived onto the floor in front of us. She threw her arms out and said "I MADE IT!". I love that we are all holding on to her in this picture and she is holding on to us. It really shows her personality perfectly.... center of the action, loved by all, and loving all.
