Last year, third-graders from Washington Street School
shared state facts through video conferences with classes
from all 50 U.S. states. This year, five teachers involved in the Chatting Across the USA project are taking learning to the next level.
"We’re bringing learning to life," said Cherrie MacInnes, who started the project at Washington Street School in Brewer, Maine. "It’s meaningful, and these kids are making a difference in their own learning."
Through Chatting Across the USA, third-graders from Public School No. 12 in Paterson, N.J. educate the rest of their community about valuable things in their city. The Great Falls of the Passaic helped Paterson become the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution by providing the hydro-electric current that powered the factories and mills during the revolution.
"My students are getting to learn that they are partners with us in their own learning process,” teacher Carlene Anderson said. "They are students, but they’re also teachers.”
As a result, they're more excited about learning, their public speaking ability has improved and they're becoming experts about their city and state.
The Chatting Across the USA project brings other benefits as well. Students share their culture and learn how democracy works during video conferences. And at the same time, their teachers overcome challenges and network with each other.
Third grade students in Paterson, NJ and Brewer, ME exchange their thoughts and experiences about helping their community.