PA Story Classroom Exchanges
Exchange is an essential component of the PA Story project as storytelling has the most significant civic impact when it moves beyond a classroom and into cross-cultural dialogue. The program begins with learning and sharing within the school to help students build confidence and recognize connections among their peers’ stories. Next, cross-school exchanges throughout the state will enable students to encounter Pennsylvania stories shaped by diverse geographies, cultures, and lived experiences, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the Commonwealth as a shared community. Through virtual and in-person exchanges, students will see how their personal narratives contribute to Pennsylvania’s legacy of religious freedom, democracy, and civic life. Each participating classroom will be connected with a reciprocal classroom in another part of Pennsylvania so students can learn from and connect with students in the same grade in another geographic area. This exchange is intended to broaden students' perspectives and to give them a sense of how students connect to PA culture and history in other parts of the state. This portion of the program will be coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, with more information forthcoming.
Classroom exchange
PA Story encourages students to engage with differences and take in new perspectives while learning from their peers. Classroom exchanges can take place in a virtual or in-person setting.
Activities can include:
Community Snapshot Presentations – Students present about their town’s history, traditions, landmarks, and local identity.
Community Snapshot Presentations – Students present about their town’s history, traditions, landmarks, and local identity.
Digital Storytelling – Short videos or photo essays showing daily routines and community life.
Cultural Artifacts – Students share an object, recipe, symbol, or media piece that represents their identity or community.
Dialogue Circles on Identity & Belonging – Structured conversations about pride, stereotypes, inclusion, and civic identity.
Story Partners – Cross-school interviews where students introduce their partner’s story to their class.
Shared Civic Challenge Project – Collaborative research and solution-building around a common issue affecting both communities.
“Myths & Realities” Activity – Students examine stereotypes about their community and compare them with lived experiences.
Collaborative Creative Project – Co-create a poem, podcast, mural, digital museum, or timeline highlighting shared and diverse stories.
Local Traditions Exchange – Students teach each other about regional celebrations, foods, faith traditions, or community rituals.
State History Through Personal Stories – Students connect family or community narratives to larger state historical themes.