Free The Children: Children Helping Children ¹

"We embarked upon a project that started as an acorn and grew into an oak. I had no idea where this would take us or how long it would last." Cheryl Turner

Meet Cheryl Turner
At the time this project took place, Cheryl Turner was teaching grade five (now the first year of cycle 3). Cheryl had many years of elementary school experience at a variety of levels as well as physical education. Each grade level she taught contributed to her personal growth and a better understanding of how children learn.

Project Overview
The "Free the Children" theme was unplanned and totally evolved from inquiring ten year old minds. From day to day she never knew where the children would lead her, but she was aware that her role was to steer them to places where their questions could be answered. Keeping the lid on the class' grandiose fund raising events was the most challenging part of the project.
This project is a model of social constructivism in the classroom. Student interest and enthusiasm led the way as this unique experience unfolded . As students developed the competencies of the English Language Arts program, they used language to get things done. They developed strategies to solve problems, imagined possibilities and used their creativity to take action. Finally, they  shared knowledge and experiences that proved that children really can make a difference in this world.

Cheryl's Story 
Cheryl tells the story of this project as it unfolded with her students. Read the story here.

Curriculum Connections
Evergreen's Free the Children project offered many situations to maximize the development of the elementary Language Arts progam as mandated in the Québec Education Program. Connect this story to the curriculum.

Useful Resource
Keilburger, Marc. and Keilburger, Craig. (2002). Take Action! A Guide to Active Citizenship. Toronto: Gage Learning.
This book will serve as a source of ideas and action guides about becoming socially involved. It will be useful for teachers and students at the upper elementary and high school levels.



1. The credit for this title is given to Craig Kielburger and his organization, "Kids Can Free the Children".