Grade 1 Builds the “Tech Cube of Gratitude” to Celebrate Belonging and Community

During their community unit this semester, Taipei American School Grade 1 students turned a moment of everyday observation into a powerful act of service, creativity, and gratitude, bringing the TAS Mission and Schoolwide Learning Outcomes to life. 

The result was a student-designed STEAM installation called the Tech Cube of Gratitude, created to honor Ms. Ah Jiao, a beloved member of the TAS facilities team who cleans the Tech Cube each afternoon and helps keep the space safe, welcoming, and ready for learning. 

A Simple Observation Becomes a Powerful Motivation 

The initiative began when Grade 1 STEAM teacher Ms. Shannon Wislang noticed a quiet but meaningful pattern in the Tech Cube. 

“Every afternoon, Ms. Ah Jiao would come in with a joyful spirit to clean our space,” Wislang shared. “I kept trying to greet her, but she never responded. I later learned she is deaf and does not speak English. That discovery sparked curiosity and connection.” 

Through small gestures, shared smiles, and moments of laughter, Ms. Wislang began building a relationship with Ms. Ah Jiao. She then brought the story to her students with a simple but profound question: How can we show our gratitude in a way that Ms. Ah Jiao can truly feel? 

The question resonated with students who had already been learning that true community is one where everyone feels safe, included, and important. 

Learning Through Belonging, Service, and Action 

As part of their community unit, students explored what it means to belong and how communities function through shared care and responsibility. In STEAM, this learning became action. 

“We learned that community means helping each other and making sure everyone feels happy to see you,” one student shared during the presentation. “Some helpers we see every day, and some helpers are quiet. But they are very important.” 

Using the STEAM Design Cycle, Grade 1 students brainstormed, sketched, built, tested, failed, revised, and collaborated, often many times over. The designed illuminated panel using cardboard, LED lights, coin batteries, and reflective materials. When early attempts didn’t work, students persevered. 

“Mistakes are part of learning,” a student explained. “We didn’t give up. That’s what real engineers do.” 

Each panel represents a Grade 1 team. Each individual light represents a student. When assembled, the cube becomes a glowing symbol of collective effort, demonstrating that every individual matters, and every contribution counts. 

Mission Driven Learning in Action 

The Tech Cube of Gratitude powerfully reflects the TAS Mission of being of service to others and the Schoolwide Learning Outcomes as students actively practiced creative thinking, collaboration, and communication. 

“Nothing in this project was accidental,” Wislang explained. “Every step was intentionally planned and created by students to show that belonging is built through action, creativity, compassion, and authentic connection.” 

A Moment of Gratitude and Joy 

The project culminated in a heartfelt reveal, as students gathered around Ms. Ah Jiao to present the Tech Cube of Gratitude. At the center of the structure was a message of appreciation, designed to be seen, felt, and understood beyond spoken words, supported by the student’s presentation translated into Mandarin for Ms. Ah Jiao to read. 

“We hope you know how special you are,” a student expressed. “We are happy to see you every day. Thank you for helping our learning environment.” 

Students counted down together and, using sign language, said “thank you” in Chinese, filling the Tech Cube with light, joy, and applause. As one student reflected, “Every light is important, just like every person in our community.” 

While the illuminated cube is a striking visual, its true impact lies in what students learned and felt along the way; that belonging is something we build, that gratitude can take many forms, and that even the youngest learners can lead with empathy, creativity, and purpose.