In Flanders Fields

This learning opportunity began a while back, with a reading of the story, "The Crayon Box that Talked". It is a story about a box of crayons who sit on a store shelf and bicker. A little girl overhears their conversations, takes pity on them, and brings the box of crayons home. She proceeds to take each crayon out of the box and use them in her beautiful creation. In the end, the crayons all stand back and admire the picture. They realize that together they have worked together in harmony and developed an appreciation for each other's unique qualities.  

 

Connecting the Dots:

You may be wondering how this book is connected to In Flanders Fields. While seemingly unconnected, the message in the story seemed to fit with Remembrance Day. Without going into too much detail about Remembrance Day at this developmental stage in their life, my emphasis is put on working together, taking care of each other, and valuing our unique qualities.

While reading the story, a connection was made to the "Yellow Collage" created by the class during our first month of school. It is an example of how they work together, and appreciate each others creativity. Brilliant.

My plans for introducing the symbol of the poppy through art was inspired on the spot via their connection, and the project evolved. Another collage, and collaborative effort was coming together.

Materials were prepared: tissue paper, graphic/visual inspiration...

...including the famous poem written by Lieut.-Col. John McCrae

In Flanders Fields

 Step 1: The children collaborated and glued the poem/musical score

as backdrop on the "canvas".

Step 2: Tissue paper petals of red, pink and orange overlapped

each other to create poppies. The different colours created dimension.

Our field of child created poppies.

Step 3: The teacher collaboration piece included the greenery.

We brainstormed ideas for the inside of the poppy. My initial thought was to use black pipe cleaners rolled into spirals. Someone suggested paint. And someone else was playing with the seed pods on the floor behind them. Seeds. Pods. Aha! Of course! The centre of the poppy is a seed pod. And the fact that they are actually hosta seeds doesn't really seem to matter, does it? We made connections and were inspired by nature, once again. Life is beautiful.

Step 4: The seeds are glued to the centre of the poppies.

The childrens' collage, titled: Flanders Fields, served as backdrop for our Remembrance Day ceremony this morning. And I am reminded of a quote,

"Art can function as a bridge to understanding others as well

as ourselves. To become comfortable with the creation of art is a

vital step toward healthy, tolerant consciousness."

 Poppies in Flanders Fields are a backdrop for the 

school choir during our assembly today.

Thank you for taking a moment to visit our atelier.