Global Game Changers 2020 Annual Report

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Student StoryMeet DaiDrione (DAY-dree-ahn). He’s kind, he’s quiet, he’s immensely creative, and he’s one ofnine children in his household, so he can be pretty competitive, too! DaiDrione is also his ownworst critic.As adults, we know that this quality can be one of the hardest things to overcome. But at GGC,we know everyone has a Superpower, so we work as hard as we can to support a child throughthe process towards self-appreciation and acceptance.Nothing DaiDrione created or engaged in was good enough for him when he entered Ms.Zediker’s classroom in the Fall of 2018. Given the opportunity to compare himself to others –whether reading aloud, playing a game, or displaying art – Daidrione always found himselfwanting. He created an amazing zebra bear as part of an Animals Heart Badge activity andinstead of sharing it, he crumpled it up and threw it away before his classmates could see it.At times like this, he would hide. He would fold in on himself and hide under a winter jacket herefused to take off even when inside. His teacher described this as “turtling,” as DaiDrionewould retreat under his jacket just like a turtle into a shell.Ms. Zediker worked to provide DaiDrione with strategies to help him. She urged him to use theStop and Think Corner, a quiet space in the classroom, whenever he felt like this. Sheencouraged engagement in activities by making them his own. When he suggested a notebookto write a book about a favorite animal – owls – she provided it.Despite these strategies, she would still find DaiDrione in the Stop and Think Corner, hidingunder his jacket, clutching his special notebook. But they did mean that he was starting to learnhow to ground himself during difficult situations.As the year proceeded, she could see progress. Working independently, he could make it longerthrough class work without a meltdown. And instead of allowing one incident to ruin his day,DaiDrione would visit the Corner and return when he was ready.But the real change happened when Brother Harry stepped into the classroom. Brother Harry isa retired Xavierian monk, who visited as the class was learning about the Elderly Heart Badge.He has had experience with schoolchildren around the world through his religious commitment.Harry and his fellow brothers visited for interviews and a game night.DaiDrione formed a fierce connection immediately. His face lit up with a smile that stayedthroughout the program. And it even stayed after Brother Harry beat him in a game of cards, anincident that would normally send DaiDrione to the Stop and Think corner for the remainder ofclass.Global Game Changers 2020 Annual Report 6
Brother Harry visited again, on a difficult day for DaiDrione. But once the young man learned hiselderly pal was there, he dragged his chair over to sit next to him and spent the rest of programhappy.Of course, when it came time to put his Superpower Equation together in the Spring, there wasonly one choice for DaiDrione. What could have been a difficult project for this young man withconfidence issues to plan became a joy instead, as he decided he would have a game night withBrother Harry. DaiDrione discovered that helping someone have fun is a great way to have funyourself!In class the following fall, DaiDrione was a changed kid. While he still occasionally needed thosemoments of reprieve, the confidence he had built the previous year meant he was willing toraise his hand share his ideas in class, something that would never have happened a year prior.His more constant smile attested to the power of self-value he had gained and continues todevelop. We are so glad that DaiDrione finally saw in himself what we were able to see fromthe beginning!TestimonialsGlobal Game Changers has been a solid foundation for helping Byck Elementarychange the trajectory of our students. Sense of belonging was a major issue forour school because students simply didn’t know how to talk or interact with oneanother. GGC helps teach the critical foundational skills that ensures a safe,equitable and compassionate learning environment exists.- Carla Kolodey, Principal Byck ElementarySEL & COVIDThe COVID-19 pandemic brought dramatic changes to Global Game Changers, our students, andour educators just as it did to the rest of the world. Thanks to the resilient spirits of our teamand the generous support of the community, we have been able to survive and thrive amidstthese unusual circumstances.In the spring, we joined the Mayor’s Lift Up Lou initiative, a Facebook Page and series of videosdesigned to improve the spirits of Louisvillians as we quarantined at home. We partnered onthose videos with local literacy organization, I Would Rather Be Reading.Global Game Changers 2020 Annual Report 7
Page 1 and 2: 2020 Annual ReportOur StoryJan Hels
Page 3 and 4: Growth and Quality DataGlobal Game
Page 5: 4.404.304.204.104.003.903.803.703.6
Page 9 and 10: We do anticipate significant challe
Page 11: Students nationwide shared hundreds

Global Game Changers 2020 Annual Report

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