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Seventh Graders Explore Multimedia Storytelling
After reading the graphic novel “White Bird” by R.J. Palacio, students in English 7 explored the different ways one can tell a story using media, including video, photography, illustration, and audio. Erika Shevchek, a St. Luke’s teaching fellow who will join the faculty next year as a Middle School English teacher, shares details about the project.
As part of the Teaching Fellows Program, fellows created a technology-related project. For mine, I had my classes explore narrative techniques and alternative modes of storytelling through multimedia platforms. Techniques ranged from conducting interviews and recalling memories to advocating for social causes. Using video, photography, illustration, and audio, students designed their very own narrative story. In these stories, you will find students uniquely reflecting on people, moments, places, and ideas in their life. Some stories are serious, and some are quite silly — but all stories are compelling, as students tapped into their creativity by exploring outside the traditional writing forms.
Fellows Program Director Abby Abbott shared: “The effort and energy students pour into their learning is a direct result of the supportive environment Erika established, starting on day one. The students love learning with her not just because she is genuinely curious about how and what they think but also because she knows the most effective way to motivate and challenge them, support them, and celebrate their learning success. Moreover, she has 'found the secret' to engaging middle schoolers and has created an inventory of wildly creative and fun activities to inspire a deep love of learning in every class.”
Fellows Program Director Abby Abbott shared: “The effort and energy students pour into their learning is a direct result of the supportive environment Erika established, starting on day one. The students love learning with her not just because she is genuinely curious about how and what they think but also because she knows the most effective way to motivate and challenge them, support them, and celebrate their learning success. Moreover, she has 'found the secret' to engaging middle schoolers and has created an inventory of wildly creative and fun activities to inspire a deep love of learning in every class.”
To view the students’ projects, click here.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
