"The Gardener"
The school was abuzz with excitement. Carefully crafted paper flower gardens danced on the hallway walls. Photos of family and friends were displayed on the bulletin board praising how these people had taught someone in our school something about making the world a more beautiful place... "Our family friend John is in the army. He taught me about making the world a more beautiful place by teaching me about being patriotic." On their way to the classroom, proud third grade students stopped to admire the garden they had created on CES Clean Up Day, bearded irises, chives, sunflowers and more were coming to life before their very eyes. Radiant flower postage stamps created in art lessons were hung for all to see.
Must be the week of "One Book, One School".
"The Gardener" by Sarah Stewart was at the root of all the goings on. The story is set in the 1930's. A series of letters tells the story of a young girl who must leave home to live with her uncle in the city. Her passion is gardening and even with the difficult circumstances she manages to create beauty.
Every year CES, with the help of some very generous donations from community businesses, purchases a book for each family. The students take the books home to read with their families. The following week is full of activities and classroom discussions centered around the story. The culminating activity is across grade level book discussions. Students, staff and community members gathered in the gym. Students were split into small groups led by a teacher or special community guest. Then the discussions began. My group consisted of 2 fourth graders, 3 second graders and 1 third grader. Connections, inferences, questions, deep thinking and not so deep thinking, all were shared. A murmur of voices lifted the adventures and thoughts of the young gardener. A hush came over the crowd as a video and sound track portrayed the emotion of the unknown, the beauty of a little girl and her mixed feelings about returning home.
After returning to our classroom the excitement of the morning lingered as students shared new thoughts they had gained from others perspectives. A true gem in the teaching profession.
What an exciting way to unite your school! I have heard of other schools in my district that unite under the umbrella of a central topic, with each grade reading books with similar themes, but this is so much more meaningful! I particularly like that the students read the books at home because we all know how important the school-home connection is.
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked your opening. It certainly caught my interest and begged me to read on.
It sounds like the teachers, parents, and community members in your school really worked together to provide a united and meaningful learning experience for your students. I love it! Your vivid descriptions made it easy to "see" the excitement generated over the course of the week, and I'm sure that everyone will remember back on this day as a favorite activity for years to come.
ReplyDeleteYour description brought One Book, One School to life for me. It made me wish my school could have a similar celebration of literature, growth, and community. I liked how you began the third paragraph by saying the book was the "root" of all the goings on!
ReplyDeleteI am unfamiliar with the book, but I plan to read it because it sounds like it has inspired you.
I was a bit unclear about the girl's mixed emotions about returning home. Did she want or not want to go to her uncle's house in the city, and then did she not want to go back home? I am curious to know a little more about the video. How were the emotions of the little girl portrayed?
During music classes, the music teacher gave the students a choice from several songs to find one that went along with the emotional feel of the story. For instance, there was one illustration where Lydia Grace had just arrived in the city. She was portrayed in the corner, small and in color, while the huge building around her was very dark. The music the kids from that class picked had an apprehensive feel and was somewhat menacing. They have also just finished studying various instruments, so it was a good opportunity to hear those instruments and feel the mood they can create. Every class had the opportunity to take part in the sound track.
ReplyDeleteAs far as understanding the girl's mixed emotions...well, you will just have to read for yourself! :) It's a great book!
What a wonderful example of integrated arts! Thank you for the explanation.
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