Grade 7: Memory Loss Issues Explored
Seventh grader Averie Hughes carefully placed a tiny, vintage ballet slipper into a shadow box. The shoe is worn and faded from use and the inevitable effects of time. It belongs to her grandmother Dorothy Presta, who was a ballerina in her younger days -- just like Averie.
“She influenced my love for dance, inspired my creativity, and encourages me to be strong,” Averie says. “At age 88, she has persevered through breast cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis.”
Memories in a Box
For a project in Grade 7, Averie and her classmates worked in art class to create “memory boxes” honoring special, older people in their lives. The boxes are part of a more comprehensive unit that focuses on Alzheimer's disease, a condition affecting 5 million people in the United States.
"The items in the memory box represent various things," explains Henry Weisman, who honored a man he never met -- his grandfather Monty. "The stars show his ranking as a two star general. The basketball shows that he loved to play basketball."
As a writing assignment, students developed mini-biographies about their honorees, including interests, talents and accomplishments:
“Her interests included antiques, collecting dolls, and her great-grandchildren. I remember how, for my birthday or Christmas, she would give me a beautiful doll,” wrote Anna Sanchez, about her great-grandmother Mildred Cain.
“I am the granddaughter of Dale McCray. I never met him, because he died when my mother was six. However, from the many stories I have heard, I know enough to realize that he is my greatest role model. He has taught me to be selfless, hardworking, moral, and kind,” wrote Hannah Finke.
“I chose to honor Charles Watters because he has Alzheimer's disease, and I admire how he has dealt with it. He enjoyed the outdoors and has a special bond with nature. We used to fish and paint pictures together, and I cherish those memories,” wrote Sam Nassif, about his grandfather.
Service Learning
Empathy for the elderly is a trait seventh graders at Graland have been developing since 2011. That was the first year they began building relationships with older residents at Sunrise Senior Center. They celebrate holidays, learn more about each other’s lives, have sing-alongs and eat cookies together as part of their service-learning project. Along the way, students are exposed to the memory loss issues affecting the elderly, such as Alzheimer's disease. Seventh graders took a special interest in learning more about the topic, and Graland science teacher Mark Gatlin created new curriculum to educate students about the disease.
"They studied the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's, and also how the disease differs from dementia," Mark says. "The unit involved science, art, writing, math and service."
Alzheimer's Awareness
Students, however, weren't just curious learners -- they were motivated to get involved in finding a cure and educating others. On February 12 they hosted an evening of Alzheimer's awareness featuring a keynote address from one of the country's leading experts in the disease. Huntington Potter, Ph.D., is the director of Alzheimer's programs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The event was free of charge, but donations were accepted to further memory loss research at the university.
John Howell attended the event with his grandson Charlie Smith. "I had no idea Charlie made a box for me," John says. "He snuck up on me about it and asked me a bunch of questions. I thought he was just curious about my career with 7-Up."
When he walked into Anschutz Commons and saw his life on display, he was delighted -- and honored. Listening to the expert panel of speakers, he was equally "blown away."
"Dr. Potter was impressive," admits Mr. Howell, whose father and father-in-law suffered from Alzheimer's disease. "He honored and respected each question and gave incredible answers on the students' level -- and on my level."
Graland thanks Dr. Potter, Catherine Ager of Sunrise Senior Living Center and Jill Lorentz of the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado for participating in this educational and moving event.
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Memories in a Box
For a project in Grade 7, Averie and her classmates worked in art class to create “memory boxes” honoring special, older people in their lives. The boxes are part of a more comprehensive unit that focuses on Alzheimer's disease, a condition affecting 5 million people in the United States.
"The items in the memory box represent various things," explains Henry Weisman, who honored a man he never met -- his grandfather Monty. "The stars show his ranking as a two star general. The basketball shows that he loved to play basketball."
As a writing assignment, students developed mini-biographies about their honorees, including interests, talents and accomplishments:
“Her interests included antiques, collecting dolls, and her great-grandchildren. I remember how, for my birthday or Christmas, she would give me a beautiful doll,” wrote Anna Sanchez, about her great-grandmother Mildred Cain.
“I am the granddaughter of Dale McCray. I never met him, because he died when my mother was six. However, from the many stories I have heard, I know enough to realize that he is my greatest role model. He has taught me to be selfless, hardworking, moral, and kind,” wrote Hannah Finke.
“I chose to honor Charles Watters because he has Alzheimer's disease, and I admire how he has dealt with it. He enjoyed the outdoors and has a special bond with nature. We used to fish and paint pictures together, and I cherish those memories,” wrote Sam Nassif, about his grandfather.
Service Learning
Empathy for the elderly is a trait seventh graders at Graland have been developing since 2011. That was the first year they began building relationships with older residents at Sunrise Senior Center. They celebrate holidays, learn more about each other’s lives, have sing-alongs and eat cookies together as part of their service-learning project. Along the way, students are exposed to the memory loss issues affecting the elderly, such as Alzheimer's disease. Seventh graders took a special interest in learning more about the topic, and Graland science teacher Mark Gatlin created new curriculum to educate students about the disease.
"They studied the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's, and also how the disease differs from dementia," Mark says. "The unit involved science, art, writing, math and service."
Alzheimer's Awareness
Students, however, weren't just curious learners -- they were motivated to get involved in finding a cure and educating others. On February 12 they hosted an evening of Alzheimer's awareness featuring a keynote address from one of the country's leading experts in the disease. Huntington Potter, Ph.D., is the director of Alzheimer's programs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The event was free of charge, but donations were accepted to further memory loss research at the university.
John Howell attended the event with his grandson Charlie Smith. "I had no idea Charlie made a box for me," John says. "He snuck up on me about it and asked me a bunch of questions. I thought he was just curious about my career with 7-Up."
When he walked into Anschutz Commons and saw his life on display, he was delighted -- and honored. Listening to the expert panel of speakers, he was equally "blown away."
"Dr. Potter was impressive," admits Mr. Howell, whose father and father-in-law suffered from Alzheimer's disease. "He honored and respected each question and gave incredible answers on the students' level -- and on my level."
Graland thanks Dr. Potter, Catherine Ager of Sunrise Senior Living Center and Jill Lorentz of the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado for participating in this educational and moving event.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
