Four 15-year-old freshmen at Long Beach Polytechnic High created a coronavirus-themed coloring book. They did it for their capstone project in their economics class. After fulfilling their assignment requirements, the four teens put their plan to good use.
Funds go to charities
Lauryn Hong, Ella Matlock, Sofia Migliazza, and Erin Rogers wanted to teach kids about the basics of the disease. Rogers said that after creating "Be The Change Coloring Book," they expected to sell around 25 copies to their families and friends. Their group sold about 500 copies. They collected $1,000 and donated them to various charities, including those that focus on coronavirus relief.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Al E. Gator (@bethechangecoloringco) on Jun 9, 2020 at 2:45pm PDT
A teacher of government and economics at Poly, Jeff Montooth usually asks students to create business plans addressing environmental problems. He wants them to combine what they have learned in his class. Since the coronavirus happened, Montooth changed the assignment and gave students an option to discuss the pandemic issues.
He referred to a website done by another student; it connects volunteers with those affected by the pandemic. Hong said in a Zoom interview that they wanted to do something for the children and give back to the community.
Teach children about the pandemic
Initially, the students planned to make a mask-decorating kit, but later, they decided on the coloring book since they want kids to learn about the coronavirus. Advice about staying safe during the pandemic is featured in the 28-page coloring book. They included the importance of handwashing, social distancing, and spending more time at home. They used three characters: Al E. Gator, Sam the Snail, and Wally the Narwhal to explain the disease using simple terms.
Various activities like Tic-Tac-Toe, Mad Libs, and a maze are found sprinkled throughout the book. At the back of each kit is a child-sized mask to promote mask-wearing in children. Those who ordered the coloring book could choose to donate 40 percent of the $5 sales price. Rogers said that most donations go to coronavirus relief efforts. The four girls said they became closer after the project.
Very rare that students follow through with business plans
Montooth said that not all of his students followed through with their projects. Surprisingly, six or seven groups this year did follow through with their business plans. The Poly teacher of 17 years said that ten out of his 80 teams blow him away each year. He said that it helps when the teammates are friends because the students are having fun at the same time.
He said that what he is proud of is that his students do their projects for a cause. The girls gather the books in person, ship, and hand-deliver their books. Now, they are in their second book, "Stand Up for Your-Shell-ves." The book aims to teach children racism and discrimination featuring Sam, the Snail. By the end of summer, the team plans to release their third book, which focuses on children with special needs.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Al E. Gator (@bethechangecoloringco) on Jul 5, 2020 at 4:41pm PDT
Rogers said that one of the best parts of what they are doing is the positive reviews that they get. She finds it very sweet because people say that their children enjoy the books, and the kids are enjoying the activities. She said that that is what motivates them to do more.
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