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Featured Activity
My Voice Activity: If I could change one thing in the world. . .
Grades: • Curriculum: Speaking & Listening and Writing
Description: Students think about things in the world or in the community (single events, ongoing situations, social issues) that worry or disturb them. Focusing on one in particular, they then answer two questions: why is this issue important (to the student), and how might they affect positive change.
Time Frame: 30-45 minutes
Materials:
1. Handout – If I Could Change One Thing in the World. . .
2. Pen or Pencil
Objectives – Students will be able to:
1. Evaluate various social issues as they relate to the community they affect
2. Gather ideas for a service-learning topic
Procedures:
1. Begin by asking students to recall the list of topics generated from previous Value Your Voice
activities.
2. Distribute copies of the "If I Could Change One Thing in the World" worksheet for students to complete. Ask students to focus on one issue about which they feel strongly. Perhaps it’s something about which they already have some knowledge. Or maybe they believe they have the gifts and talents to make a difference in a particular area. Either would be a good reason for choosing a concern.
3. Allow time for students to share their responses once they have completed the worksheet.
4. Determine if there are common concerns among the group.
5. See the Extension/Homework section.
Assessments:
1. Was the worksheet completed with sufficient effort and thoroughness?
2. Was there a willingness to share and listen supportively to peers?
Curriculum Standards: Writing, Speaking, Listening
Extension/Homework:
Current Events: Students select a recent (within the last year) newspaper or magazine article and summarize it for their classmates. Encourage students to find articles that reflect their interest in the social problem written about in the If I Could… exercise. Articles should describe social issues, not sports or entertainment news.
Another possibility is for the teacher to provide students with articles that address the top concerns of the group. Use the articles to learn more about the social issues, and begin to narrow down the choices for project topics.
