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Years ago, my colleagues and I created a monthly enrichment day for our gifted 6th graders to combat underachievement. This year we selected the theme of Communication. Each student or group of students were charged with asking a question about something they were interested in communicating. Emily asked if elderly in resident homes are lonely. She assumed the answer was yes and followed her research to discover that loneliness can actually lead to death. She was moved to do something about it.
Emily decided to set up a field trip to a local retirement home. With a little direction, she called the retirement home activity director, contacted our gifted supervisor for permission, and created a Valentine’s Day activity. I have never seen her so empowered and so excited. The night before the field trip, she hand made 34 Valentines to give to the residents.
My colleagues were more than cooperative in getting their students to the retirement home. The students quickly found an elderly resident to spend time with. As I circled around taking pictures, I was pleased to see these young kids talking freely with their new friends.
On Wednesday at our monthly Wow (Way Out Wednesday) meeting, Emily compiled the surveys. She also put together a video of one of the residents talking about her life and how she liked living at Garden View. Emily’s presentation about this experience is coming together, but it’s taken on a new direction. She discovered that the elderly at Garden View are not lonely. They live in a community there. Activities are planned for them. People visit often. They are well cared for.
Beyond the original intent of Emily’s project, she has discovered that relationships at any age are important. She discovered that she can influence others and spread kindness. When we as teachers take the lessons out of our hands and put it into those of our students, they can be difference-makers.
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Reflections on the Teche 
I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes. What a wonderful project. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being that teacher.
Beautiful Margaret.
I miss you & hope to get together soon. Peace & love always, Jen
Jennifer Gray 1109B Lawless Tauzin Breaux Bridge, LA 70517-6339 Jen@waydowninlouisiana.com
Discover, Create, Be at Bonne Terre Cottage! http://www.bonneterrecottage.com
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What a lovely thing to do – for both Emily and the residents.
I’m so glad you wrote about this experience. This work will live on in Emily and the residents.
What a great concept: student initiated, teacher guided.
It’s so encouraging to hear that “they are not lonely”! Community and relationships can be built at any age!!! YAY! ❤
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Thanks for sharing this wonderful story about relationship building and learner leading. It’s so powerful to see kids choosing to investigate the world in such a meaningful way. #impact
Margaret, Emily’s investigation provided a wonderful service-learning experience that will carry her onto many other service-learning offerings. An understanding of benefits of building solid relationships with others is evident in this project. Acts of kindness impact others in positive ways. I will post shortly. Yesterday, I was involved in celebrating a dear friend’s milestone birthday.
May we all learn from young, wise, Emily. This project was beautiful for the seniors and just as beautiful for the young folks. We all need each other, and people like Emily and like you make the world a warmer, kinder, more beautiful place. Thank you. xx