The future is bright.
I am in awe of all the educators right now doing their best to make remote learning work for their students – especially those who think outside the box to keep their kids engaged.
It is my pleasure to highlight one specific creative challenge thought up by Leeanne Scherpe, outreach worker and former fifth grade teacher at Steele School in Galesburg, Illinois. Inspired by this site, Scherpe created something called the “Plodding through the Presidents challenge.” The rules were simple: Record themselves reading a quote from a president and explaining what it means, and she would send them a prize.
Mrs. Scherpe’s CHALLENGE for the day. If students complete and submit by Friday, March 27, 2020. Students will receive a prize in the mail from Mrs.Scherpe. (You all know I give amazing prizes) Happy Researching! #wearesteele #presidents #wherewebelong pic.twitter.com/W5Ei7TQ2PQ
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 25, 2020
Scherpe told me she first thought up the challenge last year, during the sixth snow day of the year. This year when in-person school was closed for the COVID-19 pandemic, Scherpe said, “I thought this would be the perfect time to complete this challenge again but with any student in Galesburg. I had current and former students reach out and say challenge accepted. Even some teachers across the district wanted in.”
For prizes, Scherpe reached out to local businesses “I contacted Jimmy’s Pizza, Casey’s General Store and Dairy Queen in Galesburg, Illinois who helped me in the past. They said sure – anything to help the kids learn in a fun way and keep them engaged.”
The results of the challenge are amazing. Here are just some of the best entries sent to Mrs. Scherpe, shared with permission.
Jimmy Carter on Principles
If kindergartener Maddie’s explanation of this quote is not the most adorable Jimmy Carter-related thing you’ve ever seen, then please send me whatever I’ve been missing.
Great Job Madi from A1 Kindergarten! Way to Rock this Challenge! You make me proud! You have earned a prize! #wearesteele #wherewebelong #togetherwecan pic.twitter.com/QvUPVi4NfU
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 26, 2020
James Garfield On Goodness
Third grader Lillian shares a quote from James Garfield about how good people can change the world.
Whoot Whoot Miss Lillian Plodded her way through the President’s Challenge and has earned herself a prize! #wearesteele #togetherwecan #wherewebelong pic.twitter.com/sXCb8nxPiX
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 26, 2020
Thomas Jefferson on the Right Attitude
First grader Emma shares a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson about the power of attitude.
Keep it up Emma from A3 1st grade! You are on Fire! You have just earned a prize! #wearesteele #wherewebelong #togetherwecan pic.twitter.com/PpXcWIX2OY
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 26, 2020
Ronald Reagan on the Power of the Human Spirit
Fifth grader Kenya shares a quote from Ronald Reagan about human potential and overcoming self-doubt.
Wa-Hoo! It’s Birthday girl Kenya C3 5th grade! You just have earned a prize. #wearesteele #wherewebelong #togetherwecan pic.twitter.com/VRYgFO33N4
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 27, 2020
Lincoln On Experience
Third grader Audrey shares a popular quote attributed to Lincoln that reminds me of how much more I could be doing each day.
Congratulations Audrey from C4 3rd grade at Gale! You have completed the Plodding through the Presidents Challenge and have earned a prize. Please look for the prize in the mail! #togetherwecan #205cougarpride #wherewebelong #wearesteele pic.twitter.com/3rbfDtTmMZ
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 26, 2020
Barack Obama on Defeating Our Enemies
Fourth grader Summaiya chose a quote from Obama about bringing America’s enemies to justice.
Great Work Summaiya from C2 4th grade! Thank you for completing the Presidents Challenge. You have earned a prize! #wearesteele #wherewebelong #togetherwecan pic.twitter.com/6CqdzoGp13
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 26, 2020
Two Quotes from Barack Obama on Persevering:
Is it just me, or is there something truly inspiring about kids like Grae talking about not giving up?
Love me some Grae 5th grade at Gale. Fabulous girlie! You just earned a prize #togetherwecan #205cougarpride #wearesteele #cusd205 pic.twitter.com/zABTbM6NZW
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 27, 2020
Taylor chose a quote that would be inspiring anytime, but the way she relates it to the world today is powerful.
That a Way Taylor C6 5th grade at Steele! Great Job! You have a prize coming in the mail! #wearesteele #togetherwecan #wherewebelong pic.twitter.com/fkNmTSzxBZ
— Mrs. Scherpe (@MrsScherpe) March 27, 2020
Well said, Taylor.
Thank you to Mrs. Scherpe for posing this creative challenge and inspiring kids to dig into history! I’ll be sending her a pack of posters from Periodic Presidents.
One way you can support your local schools is to write to your representatives about how vital public education is to our children, and how we need to do everything we can to ensure this crisis doesn’t result in mass teacher layoffs.
Feel free to throw in some inspiring presidential quotes.
Excellent!