From early on, educators are teaching children how to work together. As students mature they realize there is a world outside of their own. The Lead4Change Student Leadership Program’s Lesson 2 builds upon this social and emotional time in an adolescent’s life, allowing them to realize the talents they have, combined with the talents of others, can help make ‘BIG things happen’.
Students show their personal identity in different ways. Being part of a team merges building an identity with valuing the identity and skills of others on the team. Lesson 2 allows students to choose how they will develop their team name, slogan, and logo. Allowing students to have this voice, they will feel empowered and connected to the lessons and project. Beyond Lesson 2 there are other opportunities for students to use their own voice and to know that what they say matters. Empowered teens will make a positive difference!
Lead4Change teachers often share ways they integrate Lesson 2 with their subject area to encourage student voice and choice.
Teachers from Wyandotte County in Kansas stated, “We held a competition between each of the participating classes in order to select the best logo, slogan, and team name. After knowing that their voices have the power to create change and after becoming the change they wanted to see in their community, our students now feel that they can still do more.”
Whether you are using the 6-lesson or 10-lesson track, Lesson 2 is where students will explore their strengths and abilities and discover strengths within others. Focusing on being a learner, and learning how to listen to others will develop their collaboration and communication skills. Good leaders help others be their best self. Asking questions of others and really getting to know those we work with helps develop trust.
As you give students the voice and choice to unleash the power of people and build a team of avid learners, you will also be recording the team’s Milestone 1 information on the teacher’s member dashboard. This step allows students to “capture their first badge” out of four badges and proudly display it on social media or within the classroom using the badge display sheet found in the digital lessons.
We love to hear how your students have voice and choice in Lesson 2. Share your thoughts in your Challenge entry (teamwork section) or tell us personally here.
To read about Lesson 1 in this blog series, click here