Character education and technology education might not seem like they would go together, but the students at made them work. And they did it while collaborating with an elementary school in Califon.
Fifth grade students in Sharon Bock’s class at White Rock applied what they had learned about the school’s Character Counts initiative, along with the writing process, to produce a book on bullying. They used a program called Storyjumper and worked with students in Califon to produce a book called “No Bullies Allowed.” The book outlines the characteristics of a bully, and discusses the district’s six pillars of character, which include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
According to Jefferson’s instructional technology director Doug Walker, Mrs. Bock knew that it would spark students more to interact with other students and write the book rather than writing it in isolation.
Find out what's happening in Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The students learned to apply problem-solving skills and publish for a public audience. The book is available online and can also be purchased as a hard-cover children’s book.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
