Wiley Updates
Taking Action the Wiley Way
Taking Action the Wiley Way
Guest Post by Mrs. Hoover and Mrs. Ferrando
As part of the Wiley International Studies theme, we focus on providing experiences that build global competence in students: Investigating the World, Recognizing and Weighing Perspectives, Communicating Ideas, and Taking Action. Why might we want our students to be globally competent? In Educating for Global Competence: Preparing Our Youth to Engage the World, Mansilla and Jackson explain:
“Globally competent individuals are aware, curious, and interested in learning about the world and how it works. They can use the big ideas, tools, methods, and languages that are central to any discipline (mathematics, literature, history, science, and the arts) to engage the pressing issues of our time. They deploy and develop this expertise as they investigate such issues, recognizing multiple perspectives, communicating their views effectively, and taking action to improve conditions.” (xiii)
Once students have investigated a topic or concept beyond the classroom walls, considered their own perspectives and those of others, and presented their ideas and new understandings, students can move on to evaluating ways they can take action. Taking action is all about trying to raise awareness, make an impact, improve conditions, or contribute to making the world a better place. As a student takes action, it can be local or global, large or small, tangible or abstract. What’s important is that students “translate their ideas and knowledge into actions that make a positive difference” (51, Ready for the World: Preparing Elementary Students for the Global Age). Often students participate in service learning projects. “Service learning goes beyond volunteering or fundraising. It has explicit learning objectives and involved real-world skills and critical analysis” (What Is Global Service Learning?). This typically occurs during a unit and helps students develop a deeper understanding. Taking action projects typically occur after a unit of study. It is important for students to end either type of project by thoughtful reflection and critical analysis.
Students at Wiley Elementary are taking action and participating in service learning projects in their classrooms, communities, and beyond. With a sense of “think globally, act locally” we can see many examples of our students getting involved. For example, the fifth graders contacted the Audubon Society and then the Museum of Natural Science to get more informed about their unit on hummingbirds. They received a grant through Donor’s Choose to put up hummingbird feeders in the spring. They also spearheaded a campaign in which Wiley students donated socks for the homeless. Students in the Yoga in Action elective taught yoga at a local yoga studio to help raise money for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Triangle and students in the Cradles of Civilization folk dance elective performed at the Broughton High School International Festival to support Stop Hunger Now. In the WGNN elective, students research and write news stories that address issues of concern in our world. One article in the news that highlights the plight of whales in captivity is now being written and will be broadcast to the school. Second grade students sent paper butterflies as a demonstration of support to Mexican citizens whose conservation efforts protect the monarch butterfly as a part of the Journey North Project. Students planted milkweed at home in hopes of supporting the sustainability of the butterflies. Second graders will be make products to sell to Wiley families at International Night as part of a social studies unit on producers and consumers. They plan to donate all proceeds to a charity of their choice. Students in Mrs. O’Brien’s class created 50 fleece scarves for the Raleigh Rescue Mission residents. The learned about and discussed homelessness and ways to help others.
We will have some exciting opportunities at International Night for all families to Take Action. Be sure to stay tuned for details!
Upcoming Events
March 24th, Spring Pictures
March 28th, Regular School Day (snow make up day)
March 31st-April 4th Spring Break
April 18th, Holiday, No School
March 24th, Spring Pictures
March 28th, Regular School Day (snow make up day)
March 31st-April 4th Spring Break
April 18th, Holiday, No School
Wiley PTA Updates
Last week to turn in Boosterthon pledges!
We couldn't be more proud of our Wiley families! To date, students have turned in 91% of the donations pledged for a Wiley profit to date of over $22,600! Our last collection date is THIS THURSDAY, 3/27. All donations will be counted and the books closed on Friday morning, 3/28.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding pledges and outstanding amounts. We are so proud of the students for following through on collecting and huge thanks to the parents for helping collect, as we know this takes time. Email: kristineflora@hotmail.com.
Wiley Wear Spring Orders Due by Tuesday April 8th
ORDER YOUR SPRING WILEY WEAR NOW! Short sleeve t-shirts for children and adults (plain and tie-dye) and performance tech shirts are available. Order form is attached - ORDERS ARE DUE BY APRIL 8th.
