Grade 4: Service Learning Impacts Children
Since 2000, fourth graders at Graland have learned valuable and lifelong lessons in compassion, acceptance, kindness and respect. Paired with special needs kids from area schools, Graland students serve as buddies to break down barriers between abled and differently-abled children.
Since 2000, fourth graders at Graland have learned valuable and lifelong lessons in compassion, acceptance, kindness and respect. Paired with special needs kids from area schools, Graland students serve as buddies to break down barriers between abled and differently-abled children.
Learning
The Grade 4 year involves plenty of classroom work that begins to shape students’ perceptions of others. Books like Wonder and Out of My Mind are studied not only to develop literacy skills but also for the themes of empathy and inclusivity.
“This is such a great time to delve into this meaningful work as children are increasing their ability to understand different points of view,” shares Kathy Riley, Lower School counselor. “As children empathize with characters in the books they read and the buddies they form relationships with, they are able to draw connections about the importance of inclusivity, tolerance and resilience and how this plays out in the their lives and the greater world around us.”
Fourth graders also study concepts of choosing respectful words and finding ways to be kinder than is necessary.
“The annual R-Word campaign is an opportunity for the fourth graders to take ownership of their learning,” says teacher Jessica Rowe. “They become leaders in exploring how to spread the message to stop using hurtful words, and choose respect instead.”
Students carry out tasks like creating promotional materials, such as flyers and posters. They develop attention-getting promotional activities, such as songs, demonstrations, etc., and present their campaign at a Lower School assembly.
Service
In the fall, students meet their special buddies at a bowling party. The buddies attend Denver Public Schools and manage a variety of disabilities ranging from mild to severe. Down’s syndrome, muscular dystrophy, deafness and autism are just a few of the challenges these buddies live with every day. By interacting regularly, friendships form and Graland students understand that they have things in common with special needs kids -- that kids are kids no matter how they function.
“My buddy’s name is Esteban and before I met him I didn’t know what to expect,” shares Daniel Farmer. “To be truthful I was kind of scared because when I went to his classroom I saw lots of kids who were different from me. Then I saw how nice and friendly they are and I forgot about being scared and tried to return the kindness they showed to me. From this program, I have learned to accept people no matter who they are.”
Charlotte Corkins adds: “This experience has made me realize that our buddies go through so much and the best thing we can do is make them smile and feel confident. In the end, our buddies are no different from us.”
Each month, students meet to enjoy an art project, pizza party, playground time or other activity designed to provide opportunities to grow their friendships. After each experience with their buddies, fourth graders spend time reflecting on and discussing the challenges of being differently abled.
“It brings tears to my eyes seeing these kids interact and hearing their stories about what they’ve learned from their special friends,” says Tiffani Strasser, mom to a special needs child who participated in the program through Asbury Elementary School.
Kids Celebrating Kids
The final meeting of the year is a big one. Students, families and the Graland community sit side-by-side in the gymnasium for the opening ceremony of the Sam Loewi Unified Neighborhood Games, a Special Olympics-style event involving games, fun and friendship.
Students take the lead, acting as master/mistress of ceremonies, public speakers and torch bearers. They even audition for a chance to sing the National Anthem.
While the event is hosted by fourth graders, its effects reach much farther. Gabe Koroluk’s older son, Noah, is a special needs child at Joshua School where the program specializes in autism. Younger son Nathan is a kindergartner at Graland.
While the event is hosted by fourth graders, its effects reach much farther. Gabe Koroluk’s older son, Noah, is a special needs child at Joshua School where the program specializes in autism. Younger son Nathan is a kindergartner at Graland.
“I can’t put into words the impact that this event has on all of the children involved,” said Gabe. “It’s so amazing for Nathan to see his brother at school participating in events and being celebrated by his friends and school-mates.”
Gabe shared how the Unified Neighborhood Games opening ceremony gave one little girl at Graland the courage to reach out to Noah.
“When I picked Nathan up from aftercare, a little girl came over with one of her teachers. She was clearly nervous and I told her it was ok - she could ask me anything. She asked me what Noah’s special need was. I explained that Noah wasn’t able to talk, but he gave great hugs and has an iPad that he uses to help communicate. She smiled and said goodbye to Noah.
“Little interactions like that are so vital to breaking down fears and stereotypes of individuals with special needs.”
History
Samantha “Sam” Loewi was a member of Graland's Classs of 2005. At age 18 months, she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy but with the support of her parents and teachers, Sam did not let the disease limit her. Although her spirit was strong, Sam’s physical condition deteriorated until her death in 2012 at age 22. The Sam Loewi Unified Neighborhood Games continues the legacy of friendship and respect that Sam inspired at Graland.
Recognition
In 2013, Graland was awarded Project UNIFY Elementary School of the Year and inducted into the Special Olympics Colorado Hall of Fame. Pat Loewi, Sam’s mother, also wrote a book about looking past differences called Shout. The book details a curriculum based on the Graland program for adding a special buddy program to any school, K-12.
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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.
