Where am I?
Project Ideas
Veterans History Project - This project collects and preserves personal stories and other documents from America's war veterans, and those American civilians who served in support of them. The children interview a veteran, and record the interview either by video or audio. They then send in the interviews to the Veterans History Project where it is archived and put on a website. For copies of the kit call the toll-free message line at 1-888-371-5848 or email vohp@loc.gov You can also visit the website at www.loc.gov/vets
The BluePack Project - The BluePack Project is an initiative launched by the Academy for Educational Development (AED) to help equip Afghan children with basic school supplies and provide teacher training. The BluePacks are specially made backpacks that will be delivered to individual Afghan children. They contain pencils, sharpeners, writing tablets, rulers, chalk, a coloring book, colored pencils, pens, a chalkboard, and a thermos so children can bring clean water from home since there is little running water. The BluePacks cost $10 each. You can visit their website to find out how to contribute: www.bluepack.org
Almost Home - Almost Home is a long-term transitional living program for teenage mothers with children who are homeless coming out of extreme poverty, having experienced physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse. Almost Home is not a temporary shelter but provides a living experience for up to two years, which is intended to stabilize the young family. These mothers, ages 12 to 19, learn to become independent and care for their children in more appropriate ways than they may have experienced in their own families. Each member is assisted by staff to develop an individual plan regarding her own personal, parental and housing goals along with the steps necessary to meet those goals. They need financial donations. http://www.almosthomestl.org/
Our Little Haven - Our Little Haven is a children's home for children who are suffering from abuse or neglect. They need donations of many items. To find out more, visit http://www.ourlittlehaven.org/ and click on wishlist.
Worry Dolls - Students learn about Guatemalan culture, the determination of indigenous people, and the Mayan worry doll legend. Students then make a worry doll in the tradition of the Guatemalan people. For reflection, students can write poems explaining the Worry Dolls to their recipients, children in hospitals, children in group homes, homeless shelters, etc. As the legend goes, the children might then be free of worries as they cast their worries onto their own special worry doll.
Veterans Day Breakfast - Students, as a part of their history classes, host a Veterans' Day Breakfast & Assembly honoring our local heroes.
Peace Wall - Students learn about war (past and present), peace efforts (both local and internationally), violence prevention, etc. They then each get to design and paint a tile to be installed as a permanent wall in a public place (like a community center).