Germantown Academy’s 1/2 Multi-Age classes consisting of students in both 1st and 2nd Grades who learn alongside one another and remain with the same teacher for a two-year period conducted their first Writers’ Cafe of the school year with their families in attendance. This event was a culmination of their first writing unit, which focused on small moment stories. 

Students practiced sharing true stories and completed a few writing pieces over the two-month unit. They then selected the story they were most proud of and engaged in the editing process. With the help of checklists and rubrics, they fine tuned their work and prepared it for their presentation on the microphone to their audience. 

“The theme of the unit allows students at all levels to make a personal connection to their work,” said 1/2 Teacher Dave Schlentz. “As storytellers, the kids practiced sharing their writing in class, slowly building confidence as they went.”

As the event grew near, 1st Grade students became nervous taking on such a momentous task. That’s where the experienced 2^nd Graders came in. Having already completed this project one year ago, they shared tips and advice that felt relatable to their younger peers and took the lead in presenting their work.

“The magic is truly in the nature of our multiage environment during our Writers’ Café,” said 1/2 Teacher Erin Burkholder. “To see our 2nd Graders mature, as both writers and presenters, is something remarkable. It makes us proud as teachers and helps the 1^st Graders realize they too can do hard things.”

See the photo gallery from the event in SmugMug.