Grades 9–12 • Cranford, New Jersey

Students learn by teaching when they write their own storybooks to explain various grammatical rules for elementary students. The creation of these books is intended to both develop the students’ writing ability and foster a spirit of caring and service for others. Many students in Cranford’s English ICS class struggle for a number of reasons: some have learning disabilities; some are bilingual; others have emotional and psychological limitations that prevent them from achieving their full potential. This project attempts to diminish these negative factors and promote a stronger sense of self-image. Inspired by CEP’s Eleven Principles of Character Education, the program seeks to promote a challenging academic environment that is respectful of all learners and address the importance of self motivation in the character education process. Success of the program is clear when normally apathetic students become animated and enthusiastic about their work, eager to share their creations with younger students.In this interactive experience, participants have the opportunity to give to others as they work cooperatively with each other, their teachers, and with the elementary school children.