At AISW Egypt, we recognize the transformative power of connectedness in learning and our relationships with each other and the world. To deepen students’ understanding of this theme, we developed a conceptual unit integrating multiple subjects. This culminated in a writing celebration to showcase the final performance task. The use of WriteReader as a literacy platform was instrumental in the success of this project, providing a dynamic medium for students to express their personal narratives and engage with their learning.
Personal narrative writing
Students embarked on their journey by drafting personal narratives highlighting significant connections between their current lives and pivotal events from their past. This reflective exercise focused on “seed moments” that have influenced their values. Through WriteReader, students transformed their narratives into digital books, enriching their stories by uploading personal images corresponding to each paragraph. This approach facilitated reflection and personal growth and fostered a safe space for sharing, allowing teachers to gain insights into students’ backgrounds and tailor lessons to resonate with their lived experiences.
The intersection of art and writing
In art class, students created portraits representing their personal narratives, integrating elements from their stories into their artwork. This cross-disciplinary approach enhanced both their writing and artistic expression, illustrating the interconnectedness of their experiences. By exploring how art and writing complement one another, students discovered that creativity is a multifaceted process relevant to any field where communication and expression are vital.
Community engagement through writing celebrations
To culminate the project, students participated in a writing celebration, sharing their digital books with their parents. This event emphasized the importance of community and connection. Through WriteReader, parents engaged with their children by listening to audio recordings of their narratives or reading printed copies. For those unable to attend, we ensured that links to the digital books were shared, allowing all families to celebrate their children’s accomplishments. This celebration reinforced the significance of connectedness through shared stories, fostering a sense of community.
Documenting and record-keeping for student-led portfolios
Utilizing WriteReader, we effectively documented students’ writing and artwork, enriching their understanding of both disciplines and serving as a valuable tool for teachers in maintaining accurate records for student-led portfolios. Incorporating students’ artwork as covers for their narratives or as images with captions at the end of their digital books brilliantly showcased their work and achievements, making this project an excellent addition to their portfolios.
The power of storytelling
This experience underscored the power of storytelling in building relationships and understanding diverse journeys. It demonstrated the impact of sharing their work, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment crucial for collaboration. Through these interconnected activities, students not only honed their writing skills but also strengthened their ability to connect with others.
Dina Hegazy is a fifth-grade homeroom teacher and K-5 Math facilitator at The American International School of Egypt—West Campus. With 14 years of experience in the classroom, she utilizes educational technology to enhance her teaching practices. Hegazy is committed to addressing her students’ diverse abilities by using technology to bridge learning gaps and foster an inclusive educational environment.
