Our 8th-grade students recently completed a storytelling project that brought reading & writing, creativity, public speaking, and social-emotional learning (SEL) to the forefront of their learning experience. Guided by their teacher, Ms. Bradley, the project challenged students to refine their writing and public-speaking skills, and to mentor younger peers and share meaningful, values-driven stories with younger students.

In English class 8th graders were asked to create a children’s novel to convey an intentional theme. These themes had to be appropriate for ages 4-7 and included being a good friend, welcoming others, and being honest and having integrity. Students were also challenged to use appropriate word choice (diction) and create original art to help convey these themes in an engaging and entertaining way.

“I chose to do this project with 8th graders because more often than not, students are only asked to identify the theme of a text rather than create their own theme,” commented Ms. Bradley. “Our students are authors who have powerful voices that should be heard!”

The 8th graders worked diligently to brainstorm, draft, and present original stories exploring themes such as kindness, resilience, friendship, individuality, courage, imagination, and more.

The project culminated in a presentation of learning, where our 8th grade student leaders shared their stories with both kindergarten classrooms. The event showcased not only their creative writing and presentation skills, but also their empathy and leadership—qualities that lie at the heart of innovative education.

While reading to kindergarten, one student reflected, “This is so cool, we were once in this class listening to the big kids, now, we are the big kids.”

Ms. Sanders added, “This is so beautiful, we have to do this every year. Maybe next time Kindergarten students can also write stories to read to the 8th graders!”

Innovation in the classroom isn’t always about new technology or flashy tools. Sometimes, it’s about creating spaces where students connect deeply, strengthen academic skills like reading and writing, think creatively, and learn from each other.

Congratulations on your good work, 8th graders, and thank you for your inspiration!