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| Franklin Middle School Students Recite 'Democracy' by Langston Hughes |
Now they’re preparing for their first Poetry Day at the Franklin Senior Center since the start of the pandemic.
Earlier this year, Mr. Corey’s Team Lightning embarked on a unit devoted to argument writing.
“Argument writing is one of the assigned units this year with our new CommonLit 360 curriculum,” Corey said. “The topic of investigation for grade 6 was recess. The kids read charts, handouts, and articles and watched videos about the research that proves the benefits of mandatory unstructured recess.”
The students had already bid farewell to recess the previous year.
“As sixth graders, they don't get to enjoy daily recess as was the case in grade 5, so they were enthusiastic about the topic,” Corey explained. “The unit closed with the kids writing a bulleted list of the best facts that support recess. My cluster, Team Lightning, took the culminating activity further by writing actual letters to three different audiences: the incoming principal of the combined middle school, the interim Commissioner of Education at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and one class wrote to state Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, while the other class wrote to Sen. Rausch.”
Corey mentioned the letters when he spoke with Rep. Roy and Sen. Rausch at a legislator's forum in Franklin.
“Shortly thereafter, we sent the letters,” Corey said. “Our call to action in every letter was to ask for legislation or rule reform that allows for recess to count as time on learning and which thereby allows for 30 minutes of daily unstructured recess for kids in K-8.”
An aide to Sen. Rausch contacted Team Lighting to plan a visit, and the legislator was welcomed into their classroom.
“She gave us homework to investigate pending legislation, as lots of new bills were recently announced for this session, and share any new insights,” Corey said.
After the visit, Corey surveyed his students.
“The senator's visit makes me more likely to reach out to my elected leaders in the future about issues that I feel are important because I want to make the world a better place, not just by wanting to give middle-schoolers recess, but to help solve problems that are worldwide,” said student Adriana Leeber.
“She talked to us like we were adults instead of children,” said student Gabby Kepple.
Corey asked his students to describe their favorite part of Sen. Rausch's visit.
“It was fun answering and asking questions, and I think all the research paid off,” said student Carter Ficco.
The class impressed with a flawless recitation of “Democracy” by Langston Hughes.
“I was very proud of the kids for their articulate answers to the Senator’s meaningful questions about the necessity for structured recess and possible solutions,” said Curriculum Leader Barca. “Their terrific work in reciting ‘Democracy’ by Langston Hughes means that they are ready to book a visit to the Senior Center for another poetry day, the first since COVID.”
Poetry Day at the Franklin Senior Center is set for June 6 at 12:15 p.m. for Corey’s Team Lightning cluster of 42 students.
“This experience is one of many ways our teachers educate the whole child,” said Superintendent Giguere. “We’re teaching our students how to be impactful citizens in their community. I’m very impressed with these sixth graders and their dedicated teacher. The seniors are in for a treat on Poetry Day!”
Watch the students recite "Democracy" by clicking here ->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNo8uKr98X0
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