We began with a Showcase of Learning from Temescal Creek. The third grade students proudly described the design/build process they used to create Thinking Caps (an idea that emerged from a class read-aloud), while a slideshow of images from the process played in the background.
The Student Council then encouraged students to bring in new toys and toiletries for donation to different organizations. A really lovely moment occured when the middle school students led the students in a thought experiment about what it would feel like to not get presents at the holidays, and also talked about the importance of providing toys with black and brown skin color.
The 8th grade the presented a pair of skits based on the reading they had been doing in Spanish class. That's where the insect lady and the dancing whale came in!
We ended by singing the first verse of the South African national anthem, N'kosi Sikeleli Africa, in honor of Nelson Mandela. After an introduction from some students, Owen taught us the song; once we had learned and practiced it, Mitch spoke movingly about the power of the song, and how it is a sacred jewel passed between generations to represent the struggle for freedom from Apartheid. Then we sang it again!
Our version was pretty darn moving -- I have video I'll try to load up, but in the meantime please check out Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Paul Simon performing Nkosi Sikeleli Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment