November, 2015
When we started this project we
only knew two things – that we needed
to teach the students how to write an
opinion/persuasive writing piece – and
that the way we had done it in the past
was pretty boring. We knew our
students had so many amazing opinions,
but traditional writing prompts fell flat.
The students needed to find their voice
in writing that was real. Important.
Special. And they needed to feel
listened to.
This project was born out of that need.
We have so many people to thank –
first, Dr. Nell Duke in inspiring Project
Based Learning and the DC Public
School students who inspired us with a
similar project.
But most of all to our students. You
inspire your teachers daily. You have
powerful voices and one day you will be
heard by the world. Until then, know
we’re listening to you. And we LOVE
what we are hearing – and we LOVE you
all!
Your teachers,
Lisa Thayne and
Tammy Moye
And to Tony Tedeschi and everyone at
Piedmont Lifestyles Magazines for
coming out and teaching us all about the
process of making a magazine. And for
empowering us to do great things!
To our team at Tyler Elementary for
allowing us to come into your
classrooms and hear your voices and
for being flexible with all of our wants
and needs.
To all of the businesses in the
Gainesville/Haymarket area for honoring
our students with your time. For many
of our kiddos, it was their first time
speaking formally to adult strangers.
And asking interview questions that
THEY created – and taking notes to
write under a deadline.
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Note: All images contained are the
sole property of the businesses
represented and were chosen by the
students and only used to provide
free advertising to the businesses.