In today’s educational landscape, the importance of fostering empathy and understanding among students cannot be overstated. It is essential for young learners to appreciate the diverse experiences of people around the world, including the challenges faced by those living in poverty.

Our Kreative Koalas program invites young people to investigate the SDGs, design, deliver and report on an action project and paint their solutions on a giant Koala

To support them on their journey we give them some big ideas. Today we share with you “A Day in the Life” Story SDG 1 Project, designed to engage students in Stage 2 and 3 with the realities of poverty. To address this need, we’ve developed a Reusable Learning Artefact (RLA) titled “A Day in the Life” Story Project, designed to engage students in Stage 2 and 3 with the realities of poverty. This innovative project aims to cultivate empathy and insight through creative storytelling and comic strip creation. 📘✏️

The Heart of the Matter

The objective of “A Day in the Life” is simple yet profound: to develop empathy and understanding by exploring what daily life might look like for a child living in poverty. By researching and portraying the challenges related to schooling, nutrition, access to clean water, and healthcare, students embark on a journey of discovery and connection. This RLA not only enriches students’ learning experiences but also fosters a sense of global citizenship and compassion. 🌍❤️

What’s Included in the RLA?

The artefact is a comprehensive toolkit that includes:

• Project Guide for Teachers: This guide provides an overview of poverty, learning objectives, and curriculum links to integrate the project seamlessly into various subjects. It also includes assessment rubrics and sample lesson plans¹²
• Research Resources List: This list provides a curated selection of age-appropriate materials to help students understand the multifaceted nature of poverty. It includes books, articles, videos, and websites³⁴
• Story and Comic Strip Creation Toolkit: This toolkit equips students with storytelling tips, comic strip guides, and templates to express their narratives creatively. It includes prompts for brainstorming, character development, and plot structure⁵
• Discussion Questions and Reflection Prompts: This resource encourages deep thinking and conversation about the themes explored in the project. It includes open-ended questions, reflection prompts, and group activities⁶
• Project Presentation Guide: This guide assists students in presenting their stories or comic strips effectively. It includes tips for public speaking, visual aids, and audience engagement⁷
• Feedback and Evaluation Forms: These forms facilitate constructive feedback and self-reflection on the learning journey. They include rubrics, surveys, and peer evaluations⁸

Implementing the RLA in Your Classroom

Implementing “A Day in the Life” in your classroom is a straightforward process that promises an enriching learning experience. Start with an introductory discussion on poverty, followed by a research phase where students delve into the provided resources. As they move on to create their stories or comic strips, encourage peer review sessions for collaborative learning. Finally, organise presentations to share these powerful narratives, concluding with a reflection session to consolidate learning outcomes.

The Impact

The “A Day in the Life” project goes beyond traditional learning methods, inviting students to walk in someone else’s shoes and view the world from a different perspective. This project has the potential to transform students’ understanding of poverty, turning abstract statistics into personal stories that resonate and inspire action. Through this RLA, we aim to nurture a generation of empathetic and informed individuals, ready to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate world. 🌟

Join the Movement

We invite educators, parents, and community leaders to embrace this RLA and integrate it into their educational practices. By doing so, you’re not just teaching about poverty; you’re opening young minds to the power of empathy and the importance of understanding diverse life experiences. Let’s work together to create a more empathetic and aware generation. #EmpathyInEducation #ADayInTheLifeProject #UnderstandingPoverty #GlobalCitizenship

Embrace this opportunity to make a difference in your students’ lives and in the broader world. For more information on implementing this RLA in your classroom, stay tuned to our blog and follow us on social media. Together, we can make empathy and understanding core pillars of our educational journey. 🌈✨

Here are some Australian resources that can help you with your Reusable Learning Artefact on SDG 1:

1. Anti-Poverty Week: A website that provides teaching resources on poverty and inequality in Australia. The resources include primary and secondary lessons on poverty and inequality, financial inclusion and schools, social inclusion at schools, and Indigenous Australia¹
2. Oxfam Australia: A website that provides classroom resources on poverty, aid and development, Indigenous rights, ethical business, corporate social responsibility, labour rights, food security, global hunger, climate change, social justice, and active citizenship²
3. UNSW Equity Diversity & Inclusion: A website that provides information on SDG 1 and its relation to poverty, hunger, gender inequality, and access to education. The website offers resources for educators and students to explore issues related to poverty and inequality in Australia³