World Wise Schools

This year, I wanted to push my Drama Two curriculum, which includes a focus on

world drama. As part of the process, I decided to pair the class with a World Wise

Schools active Peace Corps Volunteer Stephanie Edwards. The students had

previously researched a unit of non-Western theatre and taught the class, focusing

on their findings.



Once paired with Stephanie, my students received videos she had prepared,

showcasing information about her time in the Peace Corps, the local (Guarini)

culture of her village in Paraguay, and other videos relating to what Stephanie was

doing to help improve people’s lives. With each video, my students watched via

Google Classroom, and then wrote a response, leading to larger class discussions

later. My kids also sent Stephanie several email introductions and questions, and

later video interviews. After one video on Guarani myths, my students performed

their own interpretation of the myths.


The most rewarding part of our WWS exchange was when the students got to meet

Stephanie in person. She took a brief vacation, and used one of her vacation days to

come to our school, where she spoke to the kids, shared photos and a native drink

from Paraguay, answered questions, and even presented one of the lessons she’s

worked with in her host village. My principal attended and all of the kids really felt

that the exchange was rewarding and a great way to end our partnership.

I thoroughly enjoyed how WWS gave my students a unique and personal

perspective into another part of the world. I have already registered next year’s

class to participate in WWS again.

Stephanie conducts an activity, with our principal watching.