A letter from Jody Drezner Alperin
Dear Neighbors,
My teaching partner, Vicky Finney Crouch, and I are writing to ask for your support for our new Artist-in-Residency company, "Off The Page."
Off The Page lets students enter a classroom time machine and brings them face-to-face with history. Our use of drama techniques, historical recreation, music, and role-play brings the social studies curriculum to life. This wholly dynamic and kinesthetic way of teaching facilitates the students’ connection to the material.
By making the subject hugely accessible, memorable, and fun, Off The Page engages each student in a way of learning that actively levels the playing field for all types of learners. As one of our students said, "It’s the best way to have Social Studies!"
We piloted this program last year at P.S. 10 in one fourth grade mixed class of Special Education and General Education students with great success. Students who had often been reluctant participants and had struggled with traditional lessons were eager to volunteer and felt bolstered by their participation and success. The more traditional learners were challenged to approach material more creatively.
To hear testimonials from our students, parents, and teachers, please watch our short video at http://www.vimeo.com/29355115.
In the program's pilot year, Vicky and I donated our time, services, and materials to the school. With school budgets as tight as can be right now, we need outside funding to continue working with public school students.
We passionately believe in our program and have seen it work for students whose learning styles and abilities vary widely. We desperately want to continue this work and get it into even more classrooms in our area. With funding, we will be able to reach more students, help them push their desks back and get on their feet, and bring social studies off the page.
Our campaign on the new crowdfunding site HelpersUnite.com will help us continue this project. Please visit http://www.helpersunite.com/projects/34-off-the-page-bringing-social-studies-to-life and give if you are able. Every donation makes a difference and is truly appreciated. If you can pass the link on to others who may be interested, that would be wonderful.
Thank you so much,
Jody Drezner Alperin