First Graders Become Changemakers

First graders have been taking inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Ruby Bridges, changemakers who saw a problem in their community and had the courage to take action to make a change. After learning about these historical figures and tying this idea to the Brandeis core values of integrity, kindness, and service, students realized that changemakers do all of these things together. “The first graders began by writing about changes they would like to make at our school or in San Francisco,” explains teacher Nicole Schoentag. “We put their hard work up on the bulletin board outside our classroom because the first step as changemakers is to share our ideas with the community.”

Then, working individually or in groups, students wrote proposals outlining their idea—what they needed, and who they would work with—and then wrote letters to school administration, their parents, and other students, asking for help. Some of the ideas included putting up more rainbow flags, helping the homeless, and picking up trash around school. Adds Ms. Schoentag, “Students are learning that writing is an important part of being a changemaker. With words, we have the power to share our opinions and convince others to get on board. I am so inspired by this class and their authentic, thoughtful ideas.” MORE PHOTOS