Story and life in stained glass
I took the 1/2 classes to the Epiphany Church in Kaimuki to see the life of Jesus in stained glass. We briefly discussed Easter in CE class and I wanted the children to see it in a different medium-- and the field trip also tied into the children's medieval studies in their classrooms where they made their own stained glass. I also thought it was neat to show the children where MPI Elementary came from, as MPI Elementary was formerly Epiphany School.
The children had so many interesting questions about the events of Jesus' life. (Indeed, even adults have questions about Jesus.) We could have spent many more hours talking!
A few months back, I modified our `Ohana Time. Instead of me asking each child how he was feeling, I had the students take turns and ask. First we talked about tone of voice and facial expression when speaking and listening to others. It is great practice for the children to look at any person in their class in the eye and ask with a caring tone of voice and interested, compassionate facial expression: "How are you feeling today, Sally?" A secondary result is that the students need to keep on their toes to keep track of whose turn it is to ask the question, and not just be "present" when it's their time to share how they're feeling.
Another modification I've made in class is that whenever someone is talking out of turn, sometimes I'll just say that person's name to remind them that they should be listening or give them a look. At other times I'll say, "If you are talking when it is Bobby's turn to talk, please apologize to him." It is neat to see that the children are realizing more that they need to be quietly listening not just for the sake of being quiet but talking out of turn shows disrespect to their friend who is talking. Also, I think it is a great opportunity to practice honesty (a topic we discussed earlier in the year) and owning up/taking responsibility for poor choices as well when the students readily and contritely say, "Sorry, Bobby, for talking." I think when children practice honesty, it becomes easier to take responsibility for other "bigger" poor choices in life.
Here are more simple yet profound poems on peace from the 1/2 students:
We need to fight
for peace
by KH
Peace is when
Dad gives roses
to Mom
by TM
Peace is
telling the truth
when you took away
somebody's toy
by SC
Peace is
bacon, eggs, rice
pancakes and syrup
on Saturday
and Sunday
mornings
by KF
No one is perfect
everyone makes mistakes
once in a while
by DK
Peace is
seeing my mom
waiting for me
at the pick-up
by KK
"I have the best dress!"
"No, I do!"
No one has the best dress
No one is perfect
Everyone is beautiful.
by IC
Peace is
singing a song
you made up
by KK
Peace is
throwing balls
to my dog
by BM
Peace is
running through a meadow
the grass blowing in the wind.
by MF
