One of the things we're discovering as we attempt to define what it means to be a Communications and Media school along with our IB theme, is that communication is everywhere and takes us in interesting directions. Sometimes those directions take us to the past and sometimes to the future. This idea struck me this month as I saw our kids take part in and watch a performance of The Comedy of Errors by San Francisco Shakespeare festival and I watched students using our newly complete media room to begin their research for our Level Up Village project.
I personally love all things Shakespeare and have a great appreciation for the universal themes we find in his plays, but it's always remarkable to me that despite the Elizabethan language, the multiple characters and costume changes, and the intricate plot, our students watch in fascination and laugh uproariously at all the slapstick comedy.
In contrast, we have worked this year to put together our new media room with all kinds of new technology. Our 3rd and 4th graders have begun using this space under the direction of our tech/media coach, Ms. Burns, to begin a global communication project with schools in
Egypt, Jordan and Zimbabwe. The students are learning about the geography and culture of these regions in preparation for beginning a project where they will communicate for several weeks with a student partner from one of these countries to design and build a light source using design software and 3D printing. 
I personally love all things Shakespeare and have a great appreciation for the universal themes we find in his plays, but it's always remarkable to me that despite the Elizabethan language, the multiple characters and costume changes, and the intricate plot, our students watch in fascination and laugh uproariously at all the slapstick comedy.
After the play students asked thoughtful questions about what it takes to prepare for a performance and how the actors got started in their careers. They were able to see first hand how we communicate through dramatic arts.
Egypt, Jordan and Zimbabwe. The students are learning about the geography and culture of these regions in preparation for beginning a project where they will communicate for several weeks with a student partner from one of these countries to design and build a light source using design software and 3D printing. 
Our digitally native students quickly become independent as they experiment with the design software. They also demonstrate how adaptable they have become in collaborating with others, sharing their ideas, and being open-minded to other perspectives.
For me, these two examples show that our vision of educating the whole child through experiences that are engaging, significant, challenging, and relevant is on it's way to being realized for the students of Bel Aire Park.
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