In response to
the tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan, the teachers at Dickens Annex collaborated to
prepare a powerful language lesson using the wordless picture book The Flood
written by Alvaro F. Villa.
Students used
their critical thinking skills to ask questions, empathize with the characters
in the book, and make connections to current events.
The students
made the connection to Typhoon Haiyan and deepened their understanding of the
tragedy there by viewing and responding to photographs of typhoon
victims.
As a
result of this powerful lesson, students chose to take action by earning a
toonie by doing chores at home to donate to the Red Cross. Students earned
$257.
Three brothers
in our school, Dylan, Jack and Charlie Devine, were inspired to continue
fundraising over the weekend by holding a hot chocolate sale in their
neighbourhood. The boys were overwhelmed by the response, which included many
neighbours with family in the Philippines stopping to thank them for their
efforts. The boys raised over $400.
With the
government doubling these donations, Dickens Annex students will have
contributed over $1300 to the Red Cross.
The teachers at
the Annex were so excited to see a critical literacy lesson inspire social
action, and felt so proud of their students!
