"If we are to reach real peace in the world, we shall have to begin with our children."The words of Gandhi eloquently express my passion to make social change in the world by starting with children. My vision originated during my senior year of college as an exchange student in The Netherlands on a Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education grant. Although the grant's main purpose was curriculum development for children at risk in education, the effect on me was life changing. By becoming vulnerable and uncomfortable in a place foreign to me, I paradoxically discovered myself. Now, two years later the fire still burns strong to teach peace, embrace diversity, and to empower young children to see the world as their community. A Vision For Change: Hearts' Stories will seek social change by increasing self awareness in young children.

Change in the world begins with change in how individuals see themselves and each other. My proposal is to increase student's self-awareness and self-esteem in order to help them share their stories and discover their place in history by peer interviewing and interviewing others. My inspiration is Paula Rogovin, a teacher at the Manhattan New School in New York City. My research is grounded in the inquiry-based curriculum in her book Classroom Interviews. By becoming more self aware, the students suddenly find geography, history, and language arts more meaningful because they have schema of their historical roots and can make connections to their learning. The project will teach first grade children how to research, communicate, question, and most importantly, appreciate others. They will experience a greater sense of knowing themselves, their classmates, and their communities. My goal is a more culturally competent learning environment that embraces and acknowledges our similarities and differences to one another. Ultimately, this project will increase tolerance and acceptance of others. Starting this curriculum in the early years is the best chance for a strong foundation of acceptance and understanding leading to being in peace.

An interview is a heart's story, a few moments of vulnerability in a safe learning environment and as Rogovin states, 'a gift' that enables students to share their cultural identity, gain perspective and respect for others. The expected outcomes of the students' learning through this curriculum are:

• Greater sense of self-awareness and sensitivity towards others
• Appreciation of diversity in school, community and the world
• Realization that families have different customs, traditions, and beliefs
• Desire to research the ways people in a community earn a living
• An understanding of different family structures
• To ensure that students feel their cultural background and experiences are understood and welcomed by others

First and foremost, this has built trustful, open, honest relationships based on mutual respect. Next, it is building personal pride in my children and teaching them how to appreciate their identity. Now we are ready to begin interviewing community members, mothers, fathers, and other relatives to bring a greater sense of diversity into our classroom. The interviews are worked into our writing and reading block on Fridays and are followed up with a homemade book about what we learned. The overall assessment of this project is far greater than a test; it is the application of newly acquired skills of inquiry and critical thinking. My hope is that the students will continue to ask questions, engage in conversations of inquiry and cherish peaceful, honest, open relationships.

Most Respectfully,

Jenny

Our Contact Information:

Miss Jenny Abbott's Class
North Myrtle Beach Primary
901 11th Ave. North, NMB,
SC 29582

E-mail: jabbott@nmbp.hcs.k12.sc.us