UUSA-185 Entrance Modal
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Stay informed on UNICEF's work saving and protecting children around the world
Submitted by todemko on
We're leaders of Mayo High School's UNICEF Club located in Rochester, MN. As UNICEF Club leaders and members, we're committed to educating ourselves and members about the critical work UNICEF does to protect the world's most vulnerable children and help them reach their highest potential. When many schools began a system of distance/online learning during March, a specific area of UNICEF's work became all the more critical - education.
Why did we start Project Read Aloud?
Throughout the year, UNICEF works endlessly to promote education even in the most vulnerable communities and dangerous circumstances. Just as UNICEF is always there to provide and maintain education access, we wanted to help children in our local community stay engaged and excited about learning, even during this pandemic. Unfortunately, some students may lose interest in their learning and school work because they can’t physically be in the classroom with their peers. To provide support, Mayo UNICEF started Project Read Aloud, which involves high school students filming videos of themselves reading children’s books to send to younger elementary students in the surrounding community. With a message of encouragement and book topics ranging from compassion and llama drama to Dr. Seuss and snowy days, the Project Read Aloud videos aim to inspire a love for learning.
Another pillar of this project is mentorship, which we pursued by showing younger students that there are many high schoolers or “big kids,” as they see us, who are supporting and encouraging them during this difficult time. As several of our partnered teachers have shared, it is important for high schoolers to act as role models for younger students during this unprecedented time. With Project Read Aloud, we can help ensure children in our own communities are continuing to grow in and explore the world through books, despite challenging circumstances.
Impact of this project
My kindergarten class has enjoyed seeing and hearing stories read to them by the 'big kids' of our community. It is important for young students to see that reading is a lifelong love and skill, especially when it is demonstrated by middle and high schoolers to whom they look up to. Partnerships between the 'littles' and the 'olds' are crucial for building a community between buildings of learners. - Ms. Mary Johnson, Kindergarten Teacher at Bamber Valley
Mrs. Mary Ruff, a teacher at Bamber Valley Elementary School, incorporated Project Read Aloud into her class’ Summer choice Board:
How to recreate this project for YOUR Club:
Some important things to remember:
Best wishes,
2019-2020 Mayo UNICEF Executive Board
Emily, Shikha, Haley, Anna, Michelle, Jennifer, Daniel, Zachary & Alaina