"WSCD provides a wonderful tie-in to the Social Justice curriculum in ways that are developmentally appropriate and that build confidence in language, oral communication and reinforce a student’s understanding of story. This project was thoroughly integrated with academic learning thus our community service had deeper meaning and was received with great enthusiasm."

~ E. Stinson, Educator
Amherst, MA

"This project offered a meaningful context for our community service work and provided another way for students to learn about fables. The students felt part of every planning phase of the social service project and felt empowered by their ability to have an impact."

~ J. Szymaszek, Educator
Northampton, MA

In our programs we hear what children are passionate about, what they would like to change and what they think they can to do to make a positive difference in their community. Using a "Town Meeting" forum, adults facilitate conversations about developing strategies for making change. The children put these strategies into action in age-appropriate, inclusive projects. Please take a look at the projects some of our young people have developed.

Pillowcase Project: Students in WCSD’s after-school program sew pillowcases for children at the Athol/Orange Family Inn, a shelter for families.

When I pass the library I see children reading, writing, and practicing character voices as they prepare to tell their stories. In our project the students will sew pillowcases to give to children at the Athol-Orange Family Shelter. Our young people are developing a strong sense of empathy and compassion for those less fortunate than themselves at this time. They are also developing a positive sense of their own abilities as performers and as providers. This has been great!

Deb Lane, 21st Century After School Program Coordinator
Orange Elementary Schools, 2007-2008

“Community of Hope” Quilt made by 3rd grade students for the Amherst Survival Center

At the Storytelling Festival students perform stories they have created during the WCSD Residency. These include how they changed “Bad Lunch Room Rules,” saved drowning bunnies, picked up trash, and taught someone how to ride a bike. They will also showcase the “Quilt of Hope” they are sewing for the Amherst Survival Center. In a recent meeting, Survival Center’s Director explained that clients are “most often looking for a way to connect with others, a way to find hope.” The third graders in Elaine Stinson’s class decided to create quilt squares with messages of hope on each one, designed to inspire a sense of caring, community and possibility for all who use the Center.

Students learn about aquatic life in preparation for their participating in the Atlantic Salmon Egg Rearing Program, restoring fish to the Connecticut River.

While the students have been learning storytelling skills with Ms. Jacobson, they have also been thinking about how they, as a community of learners, can make a difference in the world. Under the guidance of third grade teachers Jan Szymaszek and Beth Grams Haxby, students are participating in the Atlantic Salmon Egg Rearing Program, restoring fish to the Connecticut River. This project is helping students to see themselves as caregivers of the environment and to share their individual acts of compassion.

Students celebrate the success of their Hand Towel Project: A Peer-Training Recycling Initiative

On the school-wide trash free lunch day, Ms. Jagladeesh’s class used cloth hand towels in the classroom instead of paper towels. They noticed how much less trash there was that day, and thought, “We should try to do it more often and get other classes involved.” They planned to get donations of towels and find classrooms that would like to try this out. They distributed towels at the beginning of "Towel Days" and collect them at the end of the day. That way they can get them washed to go back out for the next "Towel Day." Imagine how much less trash there could be!

Bluebird House-Environmental Education Project

Mrs. Beyer’s class voted overwhelmingly to focus on animals and their habitat loss as the community project. The third grade science unit, Animal Adaptations, allowed students to research animal diet, habitat, and adaptations. In May, they invited expert Randy Dettmers of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to speak to the class about birds and their habitats. He identified places in need of cleaning up including local wetlands where blue jays and bluebirds nest. The class installed birdhouses around the school to help raise awareness about habitat issues. They also want to write letters to the Fish & Wildlife Service for further information about what children can do on their own and in groups.

The Food Train: Raising Awareness about Hunger and Homelessness

“The When Children Save the Day storytelling team, combined ‘entertainment’ with real community involvement and integration with our mission. You helped us truly celebrate what we hope the Survival Center represents...not just a place to get free food, but also a place to get involved in making the world a better place.”

--Heidi Northonsmith, Director, Northampton Survival Center

Northampton Survival Center Open House: Storytelling for a Cause

For fourteen sessions children have been hearing stories, telling fables, as well as writing and reflecting on how they have helped to make a difference in the lives of others. Today the children are the storytellers. Like Nyangara from the African folktale Nyangara, the Python, they will show us their special gifts. Like Elizabeth Clara Norfolk, from Ruby’s Walk, they will demonstrate their unique styles. Like Tipingee, from the Haitian folktale of that name, they will work together to help others.

Today your children are the heroes. They give us their light. Through their stories we see the leaders they will become.