During this week’s inquiry, students examined how people can take positive action to support and encourage their community during difficult times. You can always challenge students to dig deeper into challenging them to ask questions, make inferences, and take additional actions. Try the extensions below!
Feedback and Reflection Extensions
K-8
On day 3, challenge students to post their “Uplifting Action Plans” in your digital classroom and give feedback by responding to the questions:
Does the plan use a passion (what I love) and a skill (what I’m good at) to provide something that would bring joy (what the world needs)?
Does it seem possible to execute this plan with the limitations?
Does the sketch represent the proposed action?
On Day 5, challenge students to post images of their final work in your digital classroom and give feedback using the “Share and Get Feedback” form.
Reading/ELA Extensions
K-2
Source: Video read aloud of Love the World by Todd Parr
Summary: This book is all about being yourself, appreciating others, and spreading joy. As the world slows down for a moment, it’s a good time to think about what you love about your family, your neighbors, your community, and the world you live in.
Task: In response to the message of the book, challenge students to write a letter, draw a picture, do something kind, or find another way to share the love!
3-8
Task: Discuss or respond to the following prompts
How are people connecting even though they can't meet face-to-face?
What do these different actions have in common?
How have connections become even stronger between people and communities during this time when people are far apart?
Challenge students to read the article “Neighbors create "bear hunts" for kids amid coronavirus” and consider:
Why do you think people are making up simple games right now such as the bear hunts?
How have the teddy bear hunts extended into other activities?
How are the creators of these activities using their skills and passions to bring people joy?
How has being apart made some people feel closer and more connected?
Engineering/ Creative Problem Solving Extensions
K-5
On Day 2, challenge students to explore the stories below, investigating how creative constraints can sometimes lead to bursts of inspiration.
Questions: How did the constraint of writing a story in 50 words inspire Dr. Seuss to be creative?
Task: Write a poem using only 10 words. Write a story using only 20 words
6-8
On Day 2, challenge students to explore the stories below, investigating how creative constraints can sometimes lead to bursts of inspiration.
Questions: What is the main argument presented in this video? Do you agree with it? Why or why not? What are your constraints, or limitations, for this project?
Art Extensions
K-8
Challenge students to learn from a famous artist. Many artists are offering lessons at this time:
Join artist Mo Willems for Lunch Doodles. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks.
Join artist and author Dav Pilkey to get creative! Every Friday morning he will be broadcasting “Dav Pilkey at Home” in partnership with Scholastic and the Library of Congress. Find the activities here on the Scholastic website Find more information here from the Library of Congress about where to access the programs and all he will be offering!
3-8
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novel series, will be hosting a daily drawing webcast on YouTube at 2 PM EDT. You can also find videos on his website.
Music Extensions
K-5
K-8
Challenge students to select and watch a musical performance given during this time. Select examples that are appropriate for your students. Provide parents with information about the access of social media as needed. Ask students to respond to the music by creating their own songs or performances.
Health and Physical Education
K-8
Challenge students to design a way to stay active while home from school. They could create an obstacle course, a workout routine - the possibilities are endless! Check out the sources below for inspiration.
Video: Try Drawing a Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course, Here’s How from the Chicago Park District
Have students create a dance routine to share with younger students inspired by Go Noodle!
Science
K-8
What season is it? Whether fall, winter or spring exciting changes are happening in nature! Challenge students to explore the outdoors. Check out the sources below for inspiration.