Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Recent Projects

Last Sunday we completed a project we've been working on for about six weeks in the True Vine Atrium. I brought this 3D model of the Temple in Jesus' time back with me from Israel with my third graders in mind. I loved the large scale model of first century Jerusalem that we saw in Israel, and the children have enjoyed seeing pictures of it and learning a bit more about the Temple in Jesus' day. 

The puzzle was almost impossible (there were a ton of small pieces and the directions weren't very helpful) but the children were determined and worked intently on it each week. The persistence of a core group of children paid off when the last pieces of the puzzle were added on Sunday! We are thinking about painting the Temple with our watercolors, and then I hope to bring it downstairs to the Great Hall so that the congregation can see it. Lynn (a catechist from the Golden Thread Atrium) saw the Temple and wanted one for her group. I was able to buy one in the U.S. from Judaism.com. I hope our fourth, fifth, and sixth graders are ready for a challenge!

Another interesting development in the True Vine Atrium has been the use of Stockmar Modeling Beeswax by the children. This is a wonderful product! It is very soothing to handle, doesn't dry out, leaves no residue on your hands, and it smells great! I bought it this year to use with children who find it difficult to sit for a presentation. We have had it on a bookshelf and have been quietly putting it into the hands of children who might benefit from using it during presentations and prayer time. Several weeks ago, the children discovered our stash and brought the whole box down from the shelf. They have been happily sculpting ever since. There were several interesting creations this week. 

The first was this beautiful sculpture of the Holy Family. I love the smiles on Mary and Joseph's faces and the way that Jesus is so carefully wrapped in his blanket.

Another piece complete this week was this sculpture of Jesus on the cross. As the artist was showing us his work, one of the children commented that Jesus looked like an angel. This prompted some thoughtful looks and comments from the children. The artist went on to create another figure of Jesus as a baby, but I wasn't able to get a picture of it. We have been disassembling our art work at the end of atrium so that others may use the modeling beeswax the next week. 

Only two more Sundays of Christian formation at Christ Church before the summer rest. We have many children moving up this year. They will be recognized during our final celebration on Sunday, June 3rd.

8 comments:

  1. Leslie, I will miss your articles and pictures during the summer rest (a very delicate way of putting it!) Because I was privileged to be with you in Israel, the pictures are especially meaningful. I love the smell of beeswax also, and I think that adds to the Atrium experience. If a child is restless, this is an extremely creative way to help him/her. You are filled with creativity--and love! Thank you--Mary Jo

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    1. Thanks Mary Jo! You aren't getting rid of me this easily - I'll probably keep the blog going (a bit slowly of course!) through the summer. Maybe a tour of the True Vine Atrium? We'll see! I'm so glad you are a regular reader Mary Jo and I love hearing from you! :)

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  2. The temple turned out beautifully! I think I know a few children who would love that work in our class. How did the children feel about disassembling their art reflections so the next group could use the beeswax? Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Hi MS - I'm glad you like the temple! If you end up making one, it helps to have an adult stationed with this work as the children come and go. Also, we numbered every piece with pencil (using the key) before punching any out. Disassembling the wax has been kind of a nonissue so far - one child asked if she could take her pieces home, but when I explained about reusing the wax she seemed ok with it. I took pictures of her work and emailed them to her to keep. The process has been set up this way and it seems to be going well so far but we'll see! So nice hearing from you!!! :)

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  3. Thank you so much for sharing this - I love your blog, and I'm grateful for the tip on where to find the Temple model.

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    1. I don't know if you'll be thanking me for the temple source when you get to working on it! :) But thanks so much for your support! I'm enjoying following your training - it really is a blessing, isn't it?!

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  4. My children have always enjoyed stockman beeswax, so many things to do with it! They love modeling figures of saints.

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    1. I would love to see pictures Anna! Have you ever put them on your blog? It really is lovely stuff - I wish I'd known about it when my children were little!

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