Project 5 Grade 6

Following Projects can be assigned based on the lesson 

A Different Kind of School

Project / Portfolio 1

Create profiles for Miss Beam, the little girl with the bandaged eyes, and other characters. Include details like age, appearance, and personality traits.

Miss Beam:

- Age: Middle-aged

- Appearance: Grey-turning hair, plump figure, kind and authoritative presence.

- Personality Traits: Understanding, nurturing, firm yet gentle, believes in teaching thoughtfulness.

Little Girl with Bandaged Eyes (BD):

- Age: Around 12

- Appearance: Bandaged eyes, tentative and cautious movements.

- Personality Traits: Initially scared, willing to learn, expresses vulnerability, adaptive.

Helper for BD (H1):

- Age: Slightly younger than BD

- Appearance: Eager, compassionate, supportive.

- Personality Traits: Helpful, encouraging, takes the responsibility seriously, learns the value of empathy.

Gardener (Peter):

- Age: "Hundreds of years old" (as joked by the girl)

- Appearance: Old but sprightly, tending to roses.

- Personality Traits: Jovial, perhaps a bit mischievous, cares for the garden.

Head Girl (Millie):

- Age: Not specified

- Appearance: Light-haired, responsible.

- Personality Traits: Takes on leadership, responsible, exemplifies the positive impact of the Blind Day concept.

Anita (The girl on crutches):

- Age: Not specified

- Appearance: Curly red hair, uses crutches.

- Personality Traits: Determined, possibly had experiences with other "difficult days," resilient.

Project / Portfolio 2

Create a short play based on the blind day concept. 

Title: "A Day of Understanding"

Characters:

1. Miss Beam

2. Student 1 (Experiencing Blind Day) - BD

3. Student 2 (Helper for BD) - H1

4. Student 3 (Observer) - OBS

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Scene 1: The Classroom

The classroom is set with desks and chairs. Miss Beam addresses the students.

Miss Beam: Good morning, class! Today is a special day - it's Blind Day. BD, please put on your blindfold.

BD puts on the blindfold.

Miss Beam: H1, you will be BD's helper today. OBS, you're here to observe and understand.

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Scene 2: The Garden Walk

BD and H1 walk through the garden. BD is tentative.

H1: (Encouraging) Trust me, BD. We're heading towards the beautiful flowers.

BD: (Nervously) I can't see anything. It's scary.

They continue walking.

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Scene 3: The Playground

BD and H1 reach the playground where OBS is watching.

OBS: (Whispering to themselves) This is interesting. I wonder how they'll manage.

BD overhears OBS.

BD: (Confused) What's interesting?

H1: OBS is just observing. Let's play a game.

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Scene 4: The Lunch Break

BD and H1 sit for lunch.

BD: I can't even see my food. This is frustrating.

H1: It's just for today. We're here to help. Tell me what you'd like to eat.

BD struggles with lunch, and OBS watches with interest.*

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Scene 5: The Reflection

Classroom setting again.

Miss Beam: BD, how was your Blind Day?

BD: It was harder than I thought. I felt scared.

H1: But you did great! We learnt a lot together.

OBS: (Sharing thoughts) I realized how much we take sight for granted.

Miss Beam: That's the essence of these days -  understanding and thoughtfulness. Well done, everyone.

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End of Play

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Project / Portfolio 3

Interview Miss Beam: Prepare a set of interview questions for Miss Beam about her teaching methods and the impact of the system. Write down her responses as if conducting an interview.

Interview with Miss Beam:

1. Question:

   - Why did you decide to have days where kids pretend to be blind or lame?

Miss Beam's Answer:

   - Well, I wanted children to learn about being kind and understanding. So, I thought of having days where they could imagine what it's like to face challenges. It helps them be nice to others.

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2. Question:

   - Can you tell us about kids who became nicer after having these special days?

Miss Beam's Answer:

   - Absolutely! I've seen kids becoming much kinder to each other. The days where they pretend to be blind, for example, make them better at helping and being helped by friends.

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3. Question:

   - How do you teach regular subjects and also teach kids to be good people?

Miss Beam's Answer:

   - It's like a mix! We read interesting stories and have talks that help them learn about being good. This way, they enjoy learning about important stuff and also become better people.

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4. Question:

   - Were there any problems when you started doing this? How did you fix them?

Miss Beam's Answer:

   - At first, some parents were worried it might not help with regular learning. But as they saw how happy and caring their kids became, they understood. We talked a lot, showed the good things, and they felt better about it.

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5. Question:

   - What do you think will happen to kids who learn this way when they grow up?

Miss Beam's Answer:

   - I hope they carry the kindness with them always. As they get older, I believe they will keep being good to others and making the world a better place. That's what we want for them!

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6. Question:

   - How can other teachers do what you do in their classes?

Miss Beam's Answer:

   - Just try little things! Be nice, talk about good stuff, and make sure everyone feels included. It's about making learning fun and also helping kids grow up to be really good friends to others.