Collaborative Projects

I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several of my colleagues and community organizations over the years to provide unforgettable experiences for the students.

Ocarina Project

As part of a specialist collaboration, students in 2nd grade learned about ocarinas in Spanish class, 3D printed their own ocarina in technology education class, painted their ocarina in art class, learned a song about coquí frogs to sing and play on their ocarinas in music class, and researched coquí frogs in library class. They presented their learning at the Kids' Inquiry Conference in 2017.

Recycled Instrument Project

The students read the book, "Ada's Violin" in library class and learned about the Recycled Instrument Orchestra of Paraguay. In Spanish class, we were able to do a Skype call with the director of the Recycled Instrument Orchestra and the principal violinist, Ada. In technology education, students made their own instruments out of recycled materials. In art, students embellished their instruments with colorful tape and paint. In music class, students learned to play their instruments. The students in 3rd-5th grade performed with their recycled instruments as part of that year's "Extravaganza de Español."

Electric Guitar Project

For this project, students built their own electric guitars! In technology education, they assembled their guitars and learned how to wire them correctly. In art class, they painted their guitars in the style of a famous Hispanic artist. In library, students researched famous guitarists and the history of the guitar. In Spanish class, students learned a song in Spanish to perform with their guitars. In music class, students learned to play their guitars. The students in 5th grade played their guitars and the guitars were auctioned off as part of that year's "Extravaganza de Español."

Extravaganza de Español

The "Extravaganza de Español" was born out of a desire to spotlight the students' learning in Spanish class. While the art teacher had an art night to show off the students' work in art and the music teacher had concerts to showcase the students' musical abilities, there hadn't been an opportunity to highlight the learning that took place in Spanish class. We were able to rent out the 900 seat theater at Rhode Island College and invited parents, siblings, the mayor of Providence, and many others to enjoy seeing the students perform. Students in all grade levels learned songs from different Spanish speaking countries. Students in 3rd-5th grade learned a cultural dance. Students in 5th grade performed in Spanish in 4 different plays based on well-known fairy tales. The Extravaganza also provided an opportunity to showcase the cross-curricular collaborative projects the students had completed.

Hispanic Artists Living Art Museum

As part of the school's annual Art Night, students in 3rd grade learned about famous Hispanic artists, dressed like them, and did a reproduction of one of their works. Parents and others that attended the Art Night were able to interact with the famous artists and ask questions about their life and their art.

RIFLA Poster Contest

Each year, students in K-5th grade participated in the Rhode Island Foreign Language Association's poster contest to promote learning another language. There were new themes each year such as "Languages: A bridge to global citizenship" and "Languages: The key to global community." Students very creatively expressed the theme with different languages and brightly colored drawings.

Bilingual Young Authors Story Writing Contest

In collaboration with the Providence Public Library, students in K-5th grade participated in the Bilingual Young Author's Story Writing Contest. Students wrote short stories in both English and Spanish and also illustrated them. Several students won the contest throughout the years they participated.