Breanna Milne Laura Clark Emily Thompson Sarah Sleno

Unit Permeation Document Our faith in secular humanist traditions is integrated into our unit on community initiatives, specifically Skateboard Parks, in a variety of ways. We believe that there is an intimate connection between democracy, education and humanist traditions such as social justice and human rights. It is through the democratic processes that individuals are enabled to make changes that improve the quality of life within a community. However it is not enough to simply tell our students that this power is within their reach, as teachers we must demonstrate to them how to be active participants in the democratic system and that is what this unit is all about; teaching students how to take responsibility, pride and initiatives in their communities and make a difference. There are several democratic processes the children are able to participate in throughout the unit, such as in the art project. In the art project we will facilitate student led discussions about how they would like their skatepark to look. There will be themes of community and individualism in addition to the aesthetic purpose of the artwork. Students will be in charge of deciding what style of art project they would like to do, how the work will be divided among their peers, and what the community message will entail. There will be an additional written reflection where students will articulate their interpretation of how they contributed to the project as individuals as well as their interpretation of the overarching theme the children have decided to focus on as reflecting the communitys values. Through art, students are learning the importance of participatory democracy by their contribution to the project, as well as learning that their individual contributions aid in the overarching values expressed by a community, which

we see as a whole concept, in the finished art project hung on the classroom wall. As a whole, the art project will reflect the importance placed on fulfillment, growth and creativity by secular humanism. This unit is largely focused around group work and class work, creating an emphasis on equality, individual contribution, and supported social situations where children learn how to work together. Learning to work with and for a community is a crucial skill in participatory democracy. In addition, students learn the democratic challenges they will face along their journey to creating a positive change; it is by addressing these democratic processes (such as political parties that need to be communicated, fundraising etc) that students learn how to operate within the political structure and are empowered to make effective and long lasting changes. The children learn that something as small as a few people in a community working together have the ability to make change in a community, that democracy is an immediate aspect of our lives, and that one has the ability to impact a communitys quality of life. The research and problem posing section of the unit are part of the secular humanist belief in that the children are aware of the problems that plague a community and how as participants in democracy they are responsible for considering these challenges when making important decisions. As a democratic participant you have a responsibility to other people in your community. Students are led to understand the experiences people have that may lead to such things as delinquency or teenage pregnancy, all things that frequently hinder an individuals future success (such as getting a job, or experiencing social stigmas etc) and how through a community coming together we have the potential to change these experiences and empower future growth.

In conclusion, this unit project is focused on community and democratic initiatives, which is closely associated with our belief in the humanist secular tradition. It is through these activities that children understand both the problems and the benefits of a democratic system. It is with this knowledge that they are equipped to make positive changes in a community for a multitude of individuals that is in keeping with a communitys values. !