THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 28, 2022 Page 3 Malden’s Salemwood School ELL 4th Graders get in-depth civic lessons through Pilot Program Mass. Center for Civic Education and Malden Reads sponsor informative and valuable learning project (The following info is courtesy of the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education (MACCE) and the Malden Public Schools.) T he Salemwood Elementary School 4th grade English Language Learners (ELL) class, which has 21 students from six diff erent countries, learned about rules, laws and democracy with the assistance of Malden Reads and the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education (MACCE). This civics-based pilot program was introduced by the Malden Public Schools as a model project for these Grade 4 students, based upon fi ve lessons in the textbook “We the People: The Citizen & Democracy.” This was combined with the Malden Reads involvement with activities from community representatives, who shared their experiences of coming to the United States and their adjustment to life in America. Students learned about important issues relevant to their own community This allowed the students to learn important issues about government and included activities relevant to their school and community of Malden. This project used the expertise of two Malden teachers, Alan Rodriguez and Violet Walsh, who worked with these ELL students. Students from Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Haiti, Venezuela and Vietnam learned about each other – their similarities and diff erences. Through various instructional approaches, the students learned the values of rules at home, school and the community and then about the need for laws through their city, state and nation. They then learned about diff erent types of governments – rule by one, rule by the few and rule by all – distinguishing between good and bad types of governments. They learned about democracy and its benefi ts as well as its costs. Finally, they studied the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities. Community representative visits coordinated by Malden Reads For each of these important lessons, there were visits by community representatives who supported the importance of why rules, laws, democratic values and principles are important to them through a myriad of activities to which the students were introduced. The students met people who lived in Malden whose native countries were China, Vietnam, Syria and Venezuesionate community involvement; to Roger Desrosiers, President of the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education, for his time and effort to this project. Many thanks also go to Malden Mayor Gary Christenson who supported this program by attending the fi nal day and presenting the students Mayor Gary Christenson commended the students and teachers from Salemwood School’s ELL 4th Grade class which participated in a civics-based education program sponsored by Malden Reads and the Massachusetts Center for Civic Education (MACCE). (Courtesy/Malden Public Schools) la. Each told their story or shared their work or allowed the students to see their art through yoga, paintings or other means. The students were provided age-appropriate books, such as “She Persisted: Claudette Colvin,” written by Malden-born author Lesa Cline-Ransome, in which themes related to empathy, overcoming discrimination and using one’s voice were reinforced. The integration of community with learning about the importance of terms like majority, voting, elections and more through these interactions solidifi ed their learning. Theme of civic participation leads to civic education The overall theme of civic participation with concepts from the materials provides a great introduction to civic education. The opportunity to have persons outside their school yet within their community provide support and identifi cation was important in their realization of why they should learn about their new government. Malden Reads and MACCE have made a major commitment to these goals and know that, through the eff orts of the teachers in developing and presenting these lessons, the students will realize the signifi cance of civic strength, and the foundation for greater understanding will be established. MACCE thanks the Malden Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy, for her recognition of the importance of civic learning. Thanks go as well to Victoria Mulkerin, Malden Public Schools (MPS) Director of Literacy and Title I, for her infl uence and great interest in pursuing this pilot program. Also included are thanks to MPS ELL director Jen McCabe, Salemwood Principal Van Huynh; to the teachers, Alan Rodriguez and Violet Walsh, who were engaged and extraordinary; to Linda Zalk, Education Director for Malden Reads, for her pasand teachers with certifi cates for their successful conclusion of this vital project. As teacher Alan Rodriguez said at the end of the pilot program, “If this pilot can work with ELL students, it defi nitely can work with all students in the 4th grade.” AUTOTECH DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! RIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ Get your vehicle Winter Ready! We Offer A Complete Safety Check! • Coolant Special with Oil Change • Top Off All Fluids Gt hil Wit Rd • Synthetic Blend Oil Change 2010 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2007 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB Only $79.95 Six Cylinder, Auto., 4X4, Excellent Condition, Most Power Options, Clean Title, Only 170K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $12,500 Easy Financing Available! EddiesAutotech.com (Most vehicles) 4X4, Very Good Condition, Most Power Options, Just Serviced, Only 128K Miles, Clean Title! TRADES WELCOME! (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 1236 EasternAve • Malden For Your Vehicle! $8,995 We Pay Cash
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