My second grade students read the Violet-Covered Teacup, and loved the story. It evoked wonderful grandparent memories for some, and wistful wishes of a grandparent relationship in others. We have a retirement care center nearby, so I asked my students if they would like to visit some "grandparents" from there, to hear their stories and get ideas for writing stories. My students were delighted!
I received a small grant to cover bus and incidental fees. We decided to arrange three visits so that students and elders could build friendships. As a class we brain stormed questions, and practiced asking them. When we got to the Care Center there were many residents waiting, ready to tell their stories to eager listeners.After a brief shyness, a joyful confusion of chatter took over. I was not sure how much we had accomplished until we returned to class. Students loved the visit and had indeed heard many stories that they wanted to write.
They soon learned that they did not have enough details, and looked forward to asking more in-depth questions at the next meeting. For me the best moment was the end of the second visit. After each visit my students sang, "You Are My Sunshine" and the elders joined in. At our second visit I saw kids inching over to nestle into their "grandparents" during the song, and kind older arms returning the warmth.
Our last visit will be on May first. We will bring May Baskets for our elders, with violet paper flowers to celebrate our new friendships. Good education is all about building connections and celebrating community. We are grateful for this good book, and the role it has played in our own community.
-Renee Fruiht, Second Grade Teacher, John Jacob Astor School, Astoria, OregonThis is a long form text area designed for your content that you can fill up with as many words as your heart desires. You can write articles, long mission statements, company policies, executive profiles, company awards/distinctions, office locations, shareholder reports, whitepapers, media mentions and other pieces of content that don’t fit into a shorter, more succinct space.
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