Actions we have taken

Working with secondary students to promote inclusion and community, one school wondered what tools they could give their students to help them connect authentically. They planned several months of activities to connect students at the school learning in different programs. From pumpkin carving in the fall to a scavenger hunt to gardening in the spring, harvesting a crop and cooking together later in the school year, the Grade 11 and 12 students came together, guided by their teachers. At the end of the project, the students presented reflections and proposed next steps.

How we know we have made a difference?

After their presentations were completed, the students completed reflections on the project. The responses were honest and heartfelt, and revealed much about their learning and the change in their perspectives and attitudes.

"I learned to think more open-mindedly."

"I'm more nice and open to more people."

"[The changes I noticed were] that he's more open to answering questions and asking questions and talking to us."

"I noticed [they] got more comfortable around us the more we worked together."

"I learned that we have very similar likes and dislikes."

"This room has a much more happy friendly atmosphere compared to how this all started."

"I think both groups changed."

"It is a great project to help us to learn how to communicate with others that's different than us."

"I learned a lot about Studio 111. I didn't know anything about Studio 111 before this project!"

"We changed for the better."