This week in the library, First Grade students learned about Earth Day. We talked about why it is important to keep the earth healthy, and in what ways we can make a difference. We also shared Shel Silverstein’s classic story, The Giving Tree. Students created an Earth Day necklace to spread the message of green living in our community. We concluded with book browsing and checkout. Happy Reading!
Om mani padme hung is a popular Tibetan chant that loosely translates as “the jewel is in the lotus blossom”. This sentiment refers to the spirit of compassion in each of us, and is a Buddhist chant that calls forth our own loving kindness and sense of peace.
This week in the library, first graders explored the fragmented beauty of Tibet, or what is known in China as the Tibetan Autonomous Region. After viewing pictures of Tibet, exploring prayer flags and relaxing to the deep reverberating tones of a Tibetan singing bowl, used to call monks or lamas to prayer, we shared one story from Naomi C. Rose’s Tibetan Tales for Little Buddhas. With an inspirational forward written by the Dalai Lama, this book is a collection of wise and simple Buddhist tales that impart messages of peace, the duality of life and Tibetan village culture. Our story,Yeshi’s Luck, introduced the Tibetan mantra, Om mani padme hung, and served to illustrate the importance of being open to the hardships and fortune in our lives.
We concluded with bookbrowsing and checkout.
This week in the library, the First Grade celebrated Dr. Suess’ birthday by sharing my favorite Suess story, The Lorax.
Though it was written 40 years ago, The Lorax is a gentle reminder of the fragility of the earth and our responsibility as stewards of the planet. As the Once-ler builds his empire of thneeds, not only the fate of the truffula trees is put in jeopardy, but also of the creatures that depend on the fruit of the truffulas, and clean air and water. With its vibrant illustrations and sincerity of voice, the The Lorax is one those books to read and keep forever!
We concluded with bookbrowsing and checkout. Happy Reading!
This week in the library, first grade students learned about the country of Romania. We welcomed former BCD teacher, and a director of Art Omi, Sasha Sicurella. Sasha recently returned from a trip to this fascinating country with the non-profit organization, I Am International. This foundation works with students around the using art as a medium to bring people and ideas together. Sasha showed us some cultural objects from Romania, and then we watched a video she made of her current work in Romania using photography, illustrated portraits and other mediums. Thank You, Sasha, for joining us this week in the library.