Theodore Seuss Geisel never visited Tapped In, but his view of the "fun to be done" future surely reflects the exciting and delightful experiences in store for Tapped In Community members. Oh, the places you'll go on your Tapped In journey of professional development!
This is a story of the places two teachers went on their journeys in Tapped In. Anna Martin, an art teacher in Denmark, SC, created the Blanket the World with Peace Project and BJ Berquist, an art teacher in Loysville, PA, used the Peace Blanket project to develop Hats Off to Peace.
In June of 2001, Anna Martin became a member of Tapped In. She had seen a site of artwork done by displaced and refugee children who had witnessed war and she wanted to do something to help all children express their feelings through the arts for not only war, but all conflict. Over a two-month period Anna met with a small group of art teachers in Tapped In to plan the Blanket the World with Peace Project. In August 2001 the project was launched with the theme of "peace though the resolution of conflict." The term "conflict" was chosen because it can include abuse, war, bullying, and prejudice.
The Blanket the World with Peace project is an electronic quilt made up of digital squares based on the resolution of conflict theme. The digital squares may be submitted by schools, educational groups, and institutions. Each square can link to the submitting school where more information about their submission can be given. Although the digital square is graphic art, the link from the submitting school or institution can include any arts related multimedia, such as literature, poetry, dance, music and additional graphic art. The current Blanket the World with Peace site contains a rubric for scoring submissions and a link to teacher resources. Eventually, there will be a link to lesson plans, a lesson plan form, and a student release form.
The scene has been set. As the curtain rises, BJ Berquist catches a glimpse o f the wondrous places she's about to go...
I'm one of the art teachers that met with Anna to help plan the Blanket the World with Peace Project. I teach art in a male juvenile correctional facility. As with most teachers, I spend my day in the classroom with little adult contact. The minimal relevant professional development opportunities are limited to a few in-service days a year. Becoming involved with Tapped In offers more frequent contact with peers and gives me a chance to network, problem solve, and discuss best practices in education through "just in time" discussions.
When the Blanket the World with Peace Project was started, I wanted to involve my students in a way that would be meaningful to them. The theme of "peace through the resolution of conflict" dovetailed nicely with a curriculum based on the theme of "communication." A lesson was developed around the idea that education is the key to the resolution of prejudice. Hats, a popular item for adolescent boys, were the chosen vehicle for the execution of the lesson Hats Off to Peace. During the project each student kept a journal where cultural, ethnic, and social identities were explored and symbols for these various identities were designed. The students were enthusiastic during the project and designed some exciting hats. See photos of the Hats Off to Peace Project.
Oh, the places you'll go... a digital photo of one of the hats was submitted to the Blanket the World with Peace and the class project was up on the web! My journey has since led to a presentation to the local arts council, selection as the Pennsylvania Juvenile Correctional Educator of the Year for 2001, and several workshops for the Pennsylvania and National Correctional Education Associations. I have established a group room in Tapped In for the ongoing Blanket the World with Peace Project and meet monthly with people interested in becoming participants. The Loysville Youth Development Center where I teach was chosen to display artwork in the Pennsylvania Department of Education building in Harrisburg for the month of May. The Hats Off to Peace Project and the Blanket the World with Peace Project are the topic of the display.
I've been a member of Tapped In since February 1998 and have seen many changes. I've never in my wildest dreams envisioned the opportunities I've experienced and will always be grateful to Tapped In and the warm and supportive community members for their support and guidance. The newest version of Tapped In with the many expanded features promises even more for the education community on its journey of professional development. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Oh, the places you will go!"