Classroom idea-sparkers

Childhood Education, Spring 2001 by Merenda, Rose C, White-Williams, Sharon

This issue's column features ideas for students in middle school. Four exceptional middle school teachers share activities they use to help their students thrive as learners in integrative, powerful ways. Communication, collaboration, and creativity flourish in these meaningful, provocative experiences, which are artfully integrated with all aspects of the curriculum.

Begin in the fall with a Peace Garden and Outdoor Learning Center. Convert a weedy, overgrown area adjacent to the school to create a place of beauty. Add statuary and plants, and it becomes an inviting snot where classes can write, draw. and hold discussions. At the Winman Junior High School garden dedication, students honored a deceased teacher, read the Winman Law of Peace (adapted from the Iroquois Law of Peace), enjoyed songs from the school chorus, and held a reception in the school.

When spring arrived, the Columbine anniversary and new reports of school violence sparked renewed interest in the garden, which had been dormant over the winter. Students and families made additions to the garden... benches, plants, mulch, a commemorative plaque... and spent time weeding, planting, and mulching.

Plans extended to a school-wide PEACE DAY* in late May. Energy and enthusiasm reigned as students became involved in the many interacfive, integrated PEACE DAY preparations. Making choices and collaborating with peers prevailed throughout. Student activities included:

* Researching causes of student violence, using the Internet and newspapers

* Creating an informative Web site

* Conducting a school-wide peace writing contest (essay, short story, poem)

* Publishing a peace newsletter for school-wide distribution

Preparing white ribbons for all students to wear * Designing and sewing a peace flag for the school

* Producing an informative video

* Contacting representatives from local government, schools, arts community, and action groups to participate in the PEACE DAY assembly

* Organizing and conducting the PEACE DAY assembly.

*Winman Junior High School's PEACE DAY project was funded by two grants from The National Make a Difference Foundation.

The Goal of PEACE DAY

To develop students' awareness of the causes of violence and the need for tolerance as children and adults collaborate with fervor and dedication on the vision of a peaceful, safe environment.

Rose C. Merenda, Early Childhood Consultant, Warwick, Rhode Island.

Sharon White-Williams, Department of Education, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia.

Mary Lynn Morin, Enrichment Coordinator, Winman Junior High School, Warwick, Rhode Island, finds that motivating 7th- and 8th-graders to experience and participate in the National Make a Difference Day can be a constructive way to explore and emphasize the meaning of peace throughout the school and community.