Years ago we at school wanted to find a way to celebrate all our
students' holidays at this time of year. Although some of their most
important holidays don't always occur in December, most of them do have
connections to the specialness of light in some way. Some classrooms
focus on learning about all kinds of celebrations, and others focus on what
metaphorically brings light into our lives, but everyone creates a display in
the classrooms, small offices, library, and so on that connects to light.
I hope you can imagine what some of these slides represent. I cannot tell you word for word the conversations that occurred with all the students, but it is a serious experience. On that final day before our vacation, for one hour, the hall lights dim, and we quietly walk, alone or with friends or little buddies, to tour each display and sometimes talk softly about them. They are inspiring and hopeful and simply beautiful in all their unique ways. I am reminded often of the old song "This Little Light of Mine" by Stephen Scott, and the first verse of the lyrics is below.
I hope you can imagine what some of these slides represent. I cannot tell you word for word the conversations that occurred with all the students, but it is a serious experience. On that final day before our vacation, for one hour, the hall lights dim, and we quietly walk, alone or with friends or little buddies, to tour each display and sometimes talk softly about them. They are inspiring and hopeful and simply beautiful in all their unique ways. I am reminded often of the old song "This Little Light of Mine" by Stephen Scott, and the first verse of the lyrics is below.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna
let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna
let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna
let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it
shine.
Even here at the beginning of the year, we can celebrate the lengthening
days, a part of our year.
30 comments:
This seems like such a great way to connect your school :) it's very important to guide students to listen to that special light inside their heart and that this light is the fuel for the season of giving. Sounds like a celebration of self?
What a beautiful way to celebrate the end of the year, quiet, thoughtful and bright. So contrary to all of the season hoopla. Really lovely and thank you for taking the time to share the "tech."
Every time you post pictures of your school, I'm struck by all of the opportunities kids have to create and to build community around their creations. I wish those same magical possibilities for all kids…
I love the 'stuff' stuff that takes time. It sounds like many of us love doing This Little Light of Mine and weaving it in to the celebration somehow. I want to live with that song in my heart always. Thank you for sharing all the hard work. xo nanc
Yes, there is quite a bit of self-reflection in their art & writing. Thanks Carly!
You're welcome, Julieanne. It is a special time.
Thanks Carol, I wish them too. Is it totally out of the realm of doing?
The tradition helps the motivation too. For all but the newest students & staff, everyone is excited to see what people will share this time. Thanks, Nancy!
Love the slideshow and the idea behind it. This kind of creative, whole school activity is something I loved about teaching.
It's a gathering we never want to miss, Donna! Thanks!
So glad you figured out how to share the slide show! I love the creative spirit shown in each one of the photos. So sad that not all students get to shine their light of learning.
What a beautiful experience to share within the school! I want to come! It sounds so lovely - both the process of creating and the end product!
Thanks Elsie-the students love this, one reason I wanted to share!
Thanks Dana, both parts are wonderful, I agree!
Is that a Lite Brite American Flag? (Looks so cool.)
Thanks for sharing this slide show with us.
BTW: Izzy and I listened to "This Little Light of Mine" in the car this morning. It's on one of her Music Together CDs.
What a lovely celebration to bring the community together. Thank you for sharing the slide show. Such a display of creativity.
It does look like a lite brite, doesn't it? but no, they gathered their own lights & created it themselves. (Love hearing about your listening this am. Isn't it the best when one thing pops up, & then it pops up again!) Thanks Stacey!
You're welcome Terje. It's an event full of good feelings.
What a meaningful tradition your school has started. A quiet time to create and reflect in the midst of all the holiday hoopla. A great idea to tuck away in my idea memory.
Bernadette
This is sublime, Linda. The very idea of celebrating light as one year dims and the next glows invitingly, is a special one - worthy of celebration. But the many ways of expressing this, as evidenced by your lovely slide show (that does look like hard work, and bravo for figuring it out) makes it all the more special. Sigh. The Logan School is a very special place, indeed!
It's one of the reasons I shared this, Bernadette. I hope others can take away at least the idea for their classrooms. Thank you!
Thank you Tara. It is a nice transition for us all, as you imagine. I'm happy you enjoyed the slides. All the students are always so excited about their displays!
Simply beautiful! I would love to be a fly on the wall in your school, such an inspirational place.
Thank you Margaret. It is a good place to be I think! I'm happy I landed there!
Linda,
Your use of the song/poem "This Little Light of Mine" by Stephen Scott is a bright spot in the dark of winter. I always loved the lyrics but , "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." cuts through the religious implications of December holidays that we in public school contend with as we seek ways to notice the light of the season while respecting the need to separate church and state.
I will give you credit but it will be part of next year's celebration.
Tara's word is exactly right: this is sublime, Linda. What a wonderful opportunity for your students to celebrate their traditions. Thanks for sharing!
I will look forward to reading about your celebration, Anita. It works very well just the way we do it, including everyone. Thank you!
You're welcome, Catherine. So happy you enjoyed it!
Linda,
I have never seen a slideshow of pictures in a slice. It was fun to see something new, and as you said, it was worth it. I am glad that you took the time to figure it out. I especially loved your paragraph describing the event. Your words brought it to life in my mind.
Thanks Amanda. So happy you enjoyed it. There are a number of blogger help pages that aided me in the slideshow. But I kept mis-understanding, finally got it!
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