Out of the Blocks
Similar to a readers and writers’ workshop approach, learners deconstruct both Out of the Blocks (OOTB) and Storycorps to explore and then demonstrate relationship building, interviewing, compassionate storytelling, and media design found in these mentor publications. These deeper understandings and skills are then demonstrated and transferred to original pieces.
Community Storytelling and Digital Media Experiences
Build belonging through community storytelling, interviewing, and video/sound production. Amplifying global competence and transformative learning goals such as empathy, critical thinking, communication, and civic participation directly to modern literacies (e.g., interviewing, humane technology) and the meta-language of sustainable development and social justice.
Bring Inspire Citizens and Out of the Blocks to your school today!
Listen to:
Amazing Archive: Students take on the Out of the Blocks experience!
Out of the Blocks, Into the Gu: Sinchon
Ethan K & his media team from Concordia International School Shanghai used their time at the Global Youth Media 2019 Conference in Seoul, South Korea to explore the trends in the hip area of Sinchon. The camera work & storytelling highlights a vibrant young social scene along with a deep appreciation for the interconnections between a past and future Seoul.
Into the Kou: Baozi Shop, Shenzhen, China
In this video Alan L, Henry Z and Charles T went a local baozi shop, and listened as the owner shares her story, including some of the challenges she faces as a small business owner.
The open conversations centered on the family connection involved with owning a small business, as well as the hardships that come along with it...including very early working hours and a traffic accident with a local bus.
Out of the Blocks Beijing, China
In collaboration with WYPR's Out of the Blocks podcast, fourteen grade 6-9 students from the International School of Beijing visited with a group of senior citizens from the block of high rises just north of the school. The visit resulted in rich conversations on happiness, wellness, family, change, and wisdom.
Into the Kou: The Old Shekou Wet Market, Shenzhen, China
This film was made by Tala K, Kibeom K, Nicholas B, and Laura F, 4 small film makers in Shenzhen, China attending Shekou International School. The purpose of this film is to spread knowledge and culture to the world. The area visited in the film was one of many open fish and meat markets here in Shenzhen, Shekou. This film was made with hopes to open your eyes to how some people have to work to survive in China.
Into the Kou: Z Exquis Cafe, Shuiwan
The highly developed student camera work & visual storytelling highlights those stories and arouses people’s empathy. In this piece, Into the Kou students go into their community to learn more about Z Exquis Cafe owner, (Jill) Ziyu Shen. Here is her story.
Listening Beyond: How People You Don't Know Can Transform You
Inspired by Storycorps, and as part of a partnership with the acclaimed Baltimore podcast Out of the Blocks, Inspire Citizens’ learners explore and converse with senior women in the local community to capture publishable stories via their subject’s world views on culture, personal histories, happiness, family, and words of wisdom for younger generations…. (cont.)