Building on the success of the 𝑫𝒐 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘…? podcast, produced by CLS third graders in 2021, this year’s Grade 3 Hawks produced documentaries about what they learned in their immigration unit, which involved interviewing members of the Charlotte Latin community.

“Students were so excited to do this,” said Maggie Shamblin, Grade 3 Lead Teacher. “We took a virtual tour of Ellis Island and examined the history of immigration to understand why people move. We also discussed the countries that people were emigrating from then vs. now.”

Working in groups of four, students conducted interviews with faculty and staff hailing from 24 different countries like South Africa, Greece, Colombia, Hong Kong, and Peru. “Students had the opportunity to sit in conference rooms [with the adult interviewees] and to practice communication skills like speaking clearly, asking questions, and listening,” Ms. Shamblin emphasized. They loved watching their finished projects and enthusiastically supported their peers’ hard work too.

Charlotte Latin gained national attention when the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) published an article, titled “Immigrant Stories,” in their Spring 2024 magazine.

We are so proud of our students and faculty, including Kelly Willis, Director of Global Studies; Meghan Rinehart, Lower School Librarian; Maggie Shamblin, Grade 3 Lead Teacher; and Sara Best, Lower School Education Technologist. 

Their successful collaboration not only improved teaching and learning—by building a more comprehensive academic unit that integrated global competencies with a project-based approach—but also deepened relationships that continue to strengthen our school community.