|
 |
|
The Got 2B Safe! Awards Program recognizes those teachers with the greatest commitment to teaching child safety. Since 2005, nearly 4,000 teachers from across the country have submitted essays and lesson plans on how they implement the Got 2B Safe! Four Rules of Safety into their classrooms. To date, 20 Grand Prize winners and nearly 400 first prize winners have been recognized. Grand prize winners receive full classroom makeovers, while other winners receive gift certificates for school supplies. Learn about their stories below.
|
2009 Grand Prize Winners
|
| |
 |
Courtney Arthur
Chicago, IL
Courtney's classroom makeover was revealed to her students on August 11. Here's what the makeover means to Courtney and her students:
The Got 2B Safe! Classroom Makeover means so much to me and my students. It has afforded me several opportunities that would have not been possible otherwise. As a math teacher, it is vital to connect the concepts to your students so that they can form their own understandings and leave each day with a firm foundation of the material.
Through this makeover, I was able to choose materials to supplement my teaching so that I am able to hopefully reach all types of learners. I focused my makeover on creating an environment that incorporates technology and real life applications. A laptop will allow us to have guest lecturers via iChat. The “lounge area” is a place for those who want more independent time. I chose glass top tables that allow students to write on them with dry erase markers, so supplies are no longer a hindrance to learning.
Several of my students are motivated by music, so I chose an iTouch with wireless speakers to incorporate those auditory learners. Visually, the classroom is welcoming with self-portraits of the students and calming colors so that it is not an intimidating environment, as math can sometimes be.
Overall, this classroom makeover has allowed me to close the gap between schools who are fortunate enough to have endless materials and those, such as ours, who are not.
Here is Courtney's winning essay:
Unfortunately, Arthur A. Libby School is in a high-crime area. Last year, a stranger approached one of our second grade students on her way home from school that tried to get her into his van. Fortunately, she knew what to do and was able to get
away. However, I want to ensure this is the case for all of our students.
I currently teach an 8th grade Algebra class, and to begin, we as a class would learn the four rules: “Check first”, “Go with a friend”, “It's my body”, and “Tell a trusted adult” by creating public service announcements. I would have them break into groups to become Safety Experts in one of the four areas. From there, we would visit each classroom in the school, Pre-Kindergarten-8th grade, teaching them these four rules through the demonstrations the Safety Experts created.
Once all classes are taught the four rules by the Safety Experts, each class will be invited to perform for our "Libby Safety Idol". Just like “American Idol”, classes will present their song, skit,
rap, dance, etc. based on one of the four rules to a panel of judges. The judge’s panel will consist of our "Safety Experts", two Chicago Police officers who work with our school, and the Principal. The class with the best performance will earn the title of “Safety Idol 2009” and will then showcase their winning presentation at our Spring Ceremony for the parents and community.
|
|
|
