Collaboration Celebrates
A newspaper written by elementary students, mentored by university students
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THE
SNELLING CONNECTION Newsletter for the Hamline to Hamline Collaboration
Spring Issue 2013 Volume 16, Issue 2
Newspaper Welcomes New Co-Editor Smith aspires to teach By Dee Thao Journalist
[Photo by: Margot Howard] Students and faculty from Hamline Elementary and Hamline University take part in a mock trial on Hamline University’s campus.
Mock Trial Brings Smiles
Sixth graders, law students to learn about judicial system By Elizza Yang Journalist “All rise! This court will now come to order,” the bailiff proclaims. This is what fifth grade Hamline Elementary students heard when they began their Mock Trail with Hamline University. Mock Trial is a representation of a trial taking place in a courtroom. Mock trial provides an opportunity to learn about lawyers, judges, witnesses, the jury, and other components of the justice system within the United States. Mrs. Washburne, a fifth grade teacher from Hamline Elementary, said, “Mock Trial is an amazing way to see what a [real trial] feels like. It is a perfect chance for people who want to do any kind of speaking as a career choice. It’s also fun in several different ways.” Brenden, a fifth grader attending Hamline Elementary said, “This is a good example for us kids, and [as for who’s guilty], I think Mike did it!”
Mike is the fictional character who was charged with the crime. Working as a group, the university and elementary students evaluated evidence, testimonies, and oral arguments to determine if, in fact, Brenden’s guess is accurate. Each group of elementary students had the assistance of a university law student who worked with a selected group of students. The entire process of the trial, much like a real trial, takes place over more than a day. Hamline Law School students and Hamline Elementary students each spend time on the other school’s campus during these preparations. This program, which is nothing new to The Hamline to Hamline Collaboration, is a strong example of the variety of benefits provided by the collaboration. Students from both schools develop skills in oral arguments, writing, and interpersonal communication. Both teachers and students look forward to many more years to come.
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Snelling Connection resumes from a long winter break with a new Co-Editor, Darrian Smith, who came to Hamline University from Atlanta Georgia. He wants to study Education and Sociology, with a certification in Special Education. After the position of Co-Editor opened up, Smith realized he wanted to be a Co-Editor for the Snelling Connection. He stated, “I wanted to be a CoEditor because I felt it was a good opportunity to teach myself and others.” Smith has an interest in writing poetry. His interest in poetry has shown in the classroom recently as the class took a break from news articles to work instead on creative writing. A first year at Hamline, Snelling Connection is new to him and he enjoys it, “I like the experiment behind it, and I like being in a classroom with students.” His goal for Snelling Connection is to create an even better newspaper than last year. Snelling Connection is an opportunity only a few kids get to participate in, but those who do are eager to share the excitement. Smith shares the excitement of the Snelling Connection over the fact that the paper can help those involved in the collaboration know what is happening between the two schools. Smith is a good guy and will be a great Co-Editor. He’s funny and if you get to know him, you’ll like him. His lessons are always filled with humor. The collaboration is greatful for his contributions thus far, and we can’t wait to see what he does in the future!