Identity Chairs

At Brightworks we have four diversity, equity and inclusion goals. One of the goals is “each child will demonstrate self awareness, confidence, family pride, and positive social identities.”

In Quartz, our 9-10 year olds have been working on this by talking about our identities as learners since our brains all work differently. Our project to help make our identities more visible was making chairs that function best for the ways we learn.

We started by reflecting on what makes a successful chair. Many students started measuring the stools for inspiration.

Other students sought out materials connecting to their interests like climbing rope. While working on our chairs we read books, watched videos, wrote reflectively, and played games that helped us get to know the parts of our identities we have in common and parts of our identities that are different from each other.

Students tweaked and iterated. Some ideas came from the inspiration of other’s chairs. Other times stools were tested and broke, leading to information that helped revision. Along the way students practiced measurement, working collaboratively to notice their bandmates' needs, and the problem solving it takes to share space and materials while building.

“My goal for this project was to build as much as I could. I really enjoyed when I helped people.” Nathi

“Something that challenged me during my project was putting on the pillow and staples.” Frankie

“My goal for this project was to make it sturdy. I was surprised it took a long time.” Charlie