By Melissa Ninamango | Project Leader
Every morning, something special happens in teacher Jose’s classroom. It's not just a space for learning math or reading—it’s a space where each student feels seen, heard, and valued as part of something greater.
With empathy and creativity, José designed a powerful classroom strategy called “You and I Are One in the Jar of Emotions.”
Inspired by their reading program, this activity invites students to write how they would feel if they were living the stories of the characters they read about. Then, another student picks up the story and rewrites it from their own perspective.
This simple, meaningful exercise has transformed the way Jose’s students communicate, learn, and connect. They’ve improved their reading comprehension, strengthened their creative writing, and—perhaps most importantly—learned to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
Today, they are the ones leading these spaces. Because when students feel heard, they also begin to believe in their own capacity.
Jose shares:
“This experience has deeply enriched my teaching. It has helped me grow, reflect, and truly connect with my students.”
Thanks to your continued support, more teachers like Jose are building classrooms where emotions teach just as much as textbooks—and where every child has the chance to thrive.
By Melissa Ninamango | Project Leader
By Melissa Ninamango | Project Leader
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