Innovative School Libraries Inspire Students to Award Barrow Peace Prize
The Barrow Peace Prize project at David C. Barrow Elementary is a groundbreaking initiative that allows 2nd-grade students to explore the character traits of peace and share their voices with a global audience. This cross-curricular project is named after the school and encourages students to delve into the lives of historical figures from civil rights history to uncover the qualities of peace.
The project kicks off with each student selecting one of six nominees to research, creating a persuasive video essay, and a watercolor painting illustrating why their chosen nominee embodies the essence of peace. These videos are then voted on by individuals worldwide, with the nominee receiving the most votes being awarded the prestigious Barrow Peace Prize.
This innovative project goes beyond the standard curriculum, providing students with an opportunity to learn about historical figures such as Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr. Students are also introduced to the concept of the Nobel Peace Prize through resources like “Alfred Nobel: The Man Behind the Peace Prize” by Kathy-Jo Wargin and “Peace Is an Offering” by Annette Lebox. Each classroom collaborates to identify the traits that exemplify a worthy peace prize recipient.
Teaching Technological Skills in a Creative Setting
The Barrow Peace Prize project not only fosters a deeper understanding of peace but also equips students with essential technological skills. For many students, this project marks their first experience with a laptop, transitioning from using iPads in previous grades. Through tools like Google Docs in Google Classroom, students learn to navigate multiple tabs online, copy and paste information, cite sources, and search for public domain images using Google Explore.
Additionally, students engage with platforms like Flipgrid to record their persuasive essays, requiring them to navigate typing and recording features. Two students are selected to design the peace prize in 3D using Tinkercad, offering them a hands-on experience in digital design. Despite the challenges of introducing new skills to young learners, students demonstrate their ability to adapt and excel in a technology-driven environment.
Utilizing Resources for Research and Learning
PebbleGo, a user-friendly database designed for younger students, serves as a valuable resource for research during the Barrow Peace Prize project. With its structured format and manageable sections, PebbleGo enables students to explore various topics and gather information effectively. Teachers leverage the platform to craft graphic organizer questions, guiding students in navigating through relevant information related to their research topics.
The cross-curricular nature of the Barrow Peace Prize project allows students to showcase their diverse talents and abilities. From creating intricate art pieces to presenting well-researched facts, each student finds a unique way to contribute to the project. Students with strong persuasive writing skills excel in crafting compelling arguments, while those adept at public speaking shine in their video presentations. This project celebrates the individual strengths of every student, fostering a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.
Engaging with a Global Audience
The Barrow Peace Prize project emphasizes the importance of audience engagement from the outset. Students are encouraged to consider the global reach of their work, recognizing that their projects will be viewed by individuals worldwide. By using platforms like Flipgrid to record their presentations, students have the opportunity to share their thoughts and creativity with a diverse audience.
Through the use of technology, students not only showcase their projects to classmates but also to a broader community. By sharing their work on social media, email newsletters, and schoolwide assemblies, students extend their reach and invite participation from a global audience. The project’s impact is evident in the significant viewership and engagement generated, with students receiving thousands of views, likes, and votes from around the world.
The motivation and enthusiasm displayed by students throughout the project highlight the power of authentic audience engagement. By knowing that their work will be seen and appreciated by a global audience, students are inspired to put forth their best effort. The sense of pride and accomplishment they feel from sharing their voices with the world underscores the value of providing students with platforms to express themselves creatively and meaningfully.
Strengthening Community Through Collaboration
The culmination of the Barrow Peace Prize project not only celebrates individual achievements but also reinforces the sense of community among students. As the winner is announced, students recognize that their collective efforts have contributed to the success of their chosen nominee. This collaborative spirit is further emphasized through awards recognizing students for their speaking, writing, research, and artistic contributions.
Family involvement in the project adds another layer of connection and engagement, as parents can view their child’s work and share it with relatives worldwide. The project’s accessibility allows extended family members to participate in the celebration, regardless of geographical location. By fostering a sense of community within and beyond the school walls, the Barrow Peace Prize project creates a shared experience that unites students, families, and educators.
The impact of the Barrow Peace Prize project extends beyond the school community, inspiring other libraries and schools to adopt similar initiatives. By showcasing the project’s success and highlighting the importance of student voice, educators can empower students to recognize the significance of their contributions. Through projects like the Barrow Peace Prize, students learn that their voices matter and have the potential to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.
In Conclusion
The Barrow Peace Prize project at David C. Barrow Elementary exemplifies the power of innovative school libraries in inspiring students to explore themes of peace, engage with technology, and connect with a global audience. By providing students with a platform to showcase their talents, collaborate with peers, and share their voices with the world, this project fosters a sense of community, creativity, and empowerment among students.
As educators continue to prioritize student voice and digital literacy in their curriculum, initiatives like the Barrow Peace Prize project serve as a model for integrating technology, research, and creativity in a meaningful and impactful way. By celebrating the diverse talents and abilities of students, fostering collaboration, and engaging with a global audience, schools can nurture a generation of young learners who are confident, empathetic, and empowered to make a difference in the world.