Arbor Day Celebration!

Post Contributed by Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director

Hi Families,

This Arbor Day, we decided to celebrate by collecting the tiny branches that fall from the trees to make "tree sculptures". There is a particular tree* a couple blocks from the school that has thin delicate red-hued branches beneath it year round, and sure enough, this lovely tree provided a number of the fallen branches for our tree sculpture activity today.

 *my goal is to identify the species, but it is currently leafless and I'm unfamiliar with the bark : (

Daysha, middle school assistant, with Leila, Jessica, Caroline and Anika

Ms. Berstein with Joey, Shlok, Cassie, Dexter, Yeoeun, Chan, and Jadon

When we returned to the classroom, we asked the students to create a sculptural base for the branch that could support it. We discussed methods to accomplish this, including coiling forms and using a larger piece of clay that has a unique designed shape (rather than a plain pedestal). We also supplied small colorful crafting stones, multi-colored string, and tiny clear "beads". Texture could be an important feature as well.

Yeoeun

The children far surpassed our expectations and I wish I had more photographs of the completed sculptures. They are so full of life, implied movement, and visual interest. Living creatures from squirrels to snakes to butterflies make their appearance in a handful of the sculptures. The photos while helpful, fall short of conveying the beauty the students created today. Kudos to all of the children for their focused and dedicated work !

Shlok

Emory, wrapping a long coil along the base of his branch

Jadon

Yeoeun (if you look closely, you can see a butterfly between her hands and a chrysalis in the branch

Emory

Dexter (he has made 2 playful squirrels in the branches)

Isaac, with a figure hugging the tree branch

Joey tied pieces of colorful string to drape from the branches, inspiring his classmates to do the same

Shlok (a snake is slithering from the base up one of the supporting branches)

Chan

Jessica

Jordan

Dexter with a tiny basket suspended from the branch to collect nuts

All done!

Chan

Earth Month Dolls and Beasties!!!

 Post Contributed by Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director

 Hi Families!

As you know, making these terrific dolls and beasties each Earth Month has become a beloved Beye Discovery tradition! These wonderful characters are made from well-loved and mismatched socks, knit gloves, mittens and outgrown tights. The children also selected simple embellishments such as buttons, colorful craft loops and embroidery floss, to bring their critters to life. There is something magical about a child creating a cuddly soft toy from their own imagination to love and cherish. It's also a wonderful way to learn about how fun resourcefulness can be : ) Do take a look below!

Anika

Laila

Dexter

Yeoeun

Chan

Jadon

Emily

Theo

Leila

Norah

Shlok

Isaac

Jadon and Jordon

Earth Day Celebration!

Post Contributed by Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director

Hi Families,

For Earth Day, we asked our students to celebrate the "everyday beauty" they find in nature. Maybe it is found in the quite moments: observing the magical nature of a butterfly or firefly; maybe it is enjoyed sitting under a favorite tree to read a book or to sketch on a hot summer day; or when collecting worn and weathered stones along the lakefront. For others, beauty may be experienced on the field playing sports, riding a bike through the neighborhood, or zipping along on a skateboard through the park.

Chan

For the student's project, we supplied them with stretched canvas, repurposed postcards and catalogues for collaging, colored pencils and watercolor.  In their artwork, you will see a number of trees, butterflies and flowers; a river with large stones; a couple rainbows; and a field.  We hope that this artwork will be displayed at home, as a reminder of the simple beauty our earth possesses!

Anika

Elise

Emily

Jessica

Joel

Yeoeun

Shlok

Elijah

Norah

Yinka

Leila

Isaac

Jadon

Emily

Dexter

Laila

Earth Month Posters

Post Contributed by Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director

Hi Families,

Each year, Beye School's Green Team hosts a poster making contest to give Beye students the opportunity to share how we can help keep our earth healthy. The parameters of the contest were quite open, however we encouraged the students to focus on an area of interest to them, such as "clean water", "alternative transportation", "energy conservation", or "growing food gardens".

Leila

We also asked the students to use bold images to convey their message and bright colors to attract the viewer's attention. A number of students were wearing t-shirts that did just that, so it was great to make that connection.

Leila

The completed posters will be hung in the school commons: please come by to have a look ~ the students' work is informative and creative and shows how much they care about our green, beautiful planet: Let's celebrate and keep her that way forever!

Cassie

Vivianna

Chan

Yeoeun

Heidi

Joesph

Leila and Jessica

Vivienne

Joaquin

Xantal

Vivienne

Joel