Standley Students Explore the Relationship of Place & Identity

On November 30th, 2017, approximately 100 8th grade students from Standley Middle School participated in a full-day event at the Ballard Center in which students explored the relationship between place and identity. This day, organized by their teacher, Monte Carroll, kicked off the day with a presentation that helped students better understand the complexity of the relationship between place and identity. Mr. Carroll shared some of his own experiences and connected the concept to The House on Mango Street, which students are reading in class.  In addition, Mr. Carroll

modeled and emphasized the importance of risk-taking in the learning process, by stepping out of his own comfort zone to make this full day experience happen, and by trying new techniques to connect students more deeply to the concepts. Following the presentation, in groups of three, students interviewed an adult volunteer about their relationship to place and identity. Students were well prepared, worked collaboratively, and asked questions that were incredibly well thought out and thought provoking. Three cheers to Mr. Carroll for going the extra mile and to his students for their incredible work!