Latin School of Chicago

A C A D E M I C S Analyzing Neighborhoods The students then turn to studying what a neighborhood needs, focusing on the different people who live there and what they need to survive and thrive. Students are assigned a character. The characters represent different genders, ages and races. Each character is given a budget sheet for the month that outlines incomes and financial obligations, like rent. Students then engage in a simulation. They spin a wheel, and their character experiences certain mishaps like spilled coffee ruining their only work uniform or a refrigerator breaking and spoiling all their food. "The simulation is very powerful," Smith said. She noted that students became cognizant of disparities, where one character experiences the mishap as an inconvenience while another character suffers a major calamity. "One of my students pointed out that not everyone is at the same starting point in life. Another student said that 'big events in life can really impact you depending on your income and job status.'" Former third grade teacher Logan Gannon added that the simulation brings real-world problems to life. "The simulation really brings it home," she said. "It helps them empathize and understand a little more." Third grade students studied Chicago neighborhoods in social studies by comparing census data sets for the Gold Coast and Uptown neighborhoods. Third Graders Dive Deep to Explore Chicago History Mrs. O'Leary's cow. The Great Chicago Fire. Fort Dearborn. Jean Baptiste DuSable. If you grew up in Chicago, you might have studied these topics as part of Chicago history. But the Latin curriculum engages students to think critically about where they live. Scrutinizing Data Students first study statistical data of both the Gold Coast and Uptown, looking at demographics, race/ethnicity, income and educational attainment. The third grade team uses a see/think/wonder thinking routine to analyze the data. For example, students might say, "I see numbers," and then, "I think that there are more people on the Gold Coast who have more than one degree," leading to, "I wonder if educational attainment correlates to race." The teachers relish the queries that arise. "I have been so impressed with their questions," said third grade teacher Meghan Smith. "It shows that they are really ready to have these conversations." Even if those discussions are not easy. "It can bring up some conversations that are a little uncomfortable," said former third grade teacher Gabriel Paynter. "For students, it's hard for them to understand the 'why.' Why our city is so segregated, and how did it get that way?" L AT I N S C H O O L O F C H I C AG O 8

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