![]() Much of what we learn as children and adults happens outside the classroom through real world experiences and from our peers, mentors or on the job. Libraries are important hubs and can provide meaningful connection points outside the school gates.Ī community resource map can come in the form of a hand-drawn map (use a graphic facilitator), Google Map, Mind Map or even a spreadsheet with some visual outputs. Use libraries to advocate for school-community partnerships and student learning. Include the networks they can utilize to raise awareness of the needs of local children and families, and always promote and foster resource-sharing and collaboration. If you build one, also point out the materials people can supply at cost or for free, the time they can invest in projects, and how they can connect to curriculum, and classroom activities. Step 3: Create a Community Resource MapĪ visual representation of your community and the various skills people have to offer is a super way to understand what community resources are available. Deliver them an open invitation to reconnect, collaborate and share their experience, skills and time to make a difference. Share your dreams for enhanced community-school partnerships, ask people what matters to them, ask them how they might help, and show them your passion. This time let the students communicate what they hope and wish for their school and encourage them to ask for mentoring and support. Try the same approach with groups of students. ![]() Get your teachers, some local businesses on board and go and knock on people's doors, visit local businesses and senior homes and talk with them. A series of community walks are a great way to start. One of the best ways to connect and create an authentic bond is to go to the people who matter most, and meet them on their own turf. We just need to find ways to connect core curriculum beyond the classroom by attracting the right people and asking the right questions. There are so many opportunities for experiential learning to happen out in the community surrounding the school. The community should be creating questions, puzzles, quotes, mind benders, trivia, philosophical and ethical challenges, thought provoking videos, "graffiti walls," brainstorming spaces, and play areas." ![]() Ryan Bretag writes, "Educators shouldn't be the only ones contributing. Step 1: Expand Your Vision of School to Include Community I'm approaching this post from an inclusive, design-focused view, and I put to you ideas that target and engage the four main players I believe can make all the difference in transforming our schools and curriculum today: students, parents, seniors/grandparents and local businesses. If we respect each other and acknowledge our unique contribution, we can move forward quickly in a positive environment where we can all be teachers and learners. The leading roles should be alternated according to the need and focus of the particular aspect of the transformation project. To lift up and raise our schools to a place that suits all 21st century learners, help needs to come from many parts of the community.
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