Sixty-eight students between grades 4 and 6 used a shared/negotiated inquiry process to learn about children’s issues from various parts of the world. They formed charitable foundations that focused on issues related to marginalized children from various countries. They created logos, names, mission statement, foundation apparel and poignant musical documentaries. They represented their countries and promoted peace, healthy living and healing.

Guest speakers and presenters from in and around the community presented to the students and discussed the various organizations and foundations with which they were associated.

A major guided reading unit was integrated throughout this project. The novels studied were reflective of the countries being investigated. The novels were Naomi’s Road by Joy Kogawa, Men of Stone by Gayle Friesen, The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis, Hiroshima by Laurence Yep, Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson and Hannah’s Suitcase by Karen Levine.  Students completed roles and responses to the novels read.

 Students participated in a Home Reading program called S.P.O.R.T. or Students Performing Outstanding Reading Tasks. Various features  of  expository text were also studied. Students learned about various sports and countries through the Expository Text unit.

Students were engaged in self and peer assessments through guided reading roles and responses. The students developed criteria and feedback related to the guided reading roles. Unique and creative journals were created in forms of magazines and multimedia presentations.

Art ideas were also incorporated throughout the project. Students created remarkable masks depicting the life and spirit of the unique cultures studied in the project. Sport figure art, world wreaths and calligraphy art were also integrated. Life size human body systems were also created.

The culmination of this project was celebrated with a gala event on May 28, 2009. The evening was a charity fundraiser organized by the students and featured multimedia presentations, students’ work and art. The fundraising event assisted both Right to Play, an organization which is involved in improving the lives of children around the world through the power of sport and the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

Students learned about various aspects of Sustainable Development practices within their school and community.

Students used these skills in their school and within their community.  Schools within the area were invited to learn from our students. The student organizations organized an educational and enjoyable day where sport and world issues were presented.

 Students presented their project at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society Conference – Beyond the 3 R’s held on April 8^th, 2009.