After her Language Arts class read Manic Magee, a story about an old man who wants to share his stories, Kristi Blankenship’s students asked how they could find elders and hear their stories. Blankenship, a 5th grade teacher at Grimmer Middle School, contacted Deer Creek Assisted Living in Schererville, In. and her students went and interviewed the elders.
While most children would not be excited, nor willing, to volunteer at an assisted living, Blankenship’s students proved otherwise. Blankenship’s students loved talking with the residents and learning their stories. Some of the kids even shared their own stories with the new friends that they made.
“It made me cry happy tears each time. These 10 year olds were truly connecting with 90 year olds. It was a blessing to witness to be honest,” Blankenship said.
After having so much fun at Deer Creek, the students ended up coming back two more times to play Bingo. The class brought in so many fun prizes and made memories that will last a lifetime.
“I believe it opened their mind to the goodness older people have to offer our world. The stories they learned and shared are stories they are sure to remember forever and ever. I am setting it up to do BINGO again this year with my current LA class,” Blankenship said.
Blankenship’s teaching does not go unnoticed around the school. John Alessia, Grimmer Middle School principal, has said that she is always very outgoing and always has such a positive energy.
“[She is] always willing to help and is great at keeping parents informed of issues or concerns. She is also very dedicated. Kids also like her because she's not afraid to be silly or act like a kid,” John Alessia, Grimmer principal, said.
Mrs. Blankenship also tries to tie in the bigger picture with her class labs. During a “Tarp and Balloon” lab, she emphasized to her students that the point of the lab was to show how important teamwork and communication is.
“I learned that even with different people you can still communicate with them and be their friend,” Danny Lopez, 5th grade, said.
The students were divided into two teams and had to toss a water balloon between two tarps. While some students got frustrated after losing, Blankenship reminded them that if they work together they will not lose.
“I guess [the volunteering and labs] make my students feel part of something bigger than themselves. For a ten and eleven year old, this is huge,” Blankenship said.