Following up on “I NOTICED SOME OF THE BRANCHES ARE DYING.” – MILA
We came up with the best words to invite Michael Jimenez to support us with our big tree in the Front Yard. The children’s next step was to actually write the letter. They took turns writing. Some of the children were challenged since writing is a skill they are still practicing.
Teacher Katherine: Who would like to write the letter for Michael to come and see help us with our big tree?
Fiona: I do, I want to write the letter.
Ozzie: I want to support you too.
Fiona: This is hard! I don’t know how to make a “W”.
Ozzie: Look at the paper very careful and try to make the same shape.
Teacher Adriana: Ozzie, remember how you felt when you began writing?
Ozzie: It used to be hard for me. I remember feeling frustrated.
Fiona: Or maybe you felt sad?
Ozzie: A little bit sad, I think.
Teacher Adriana: Maybe you felt both frustrated and sad at the same time.
Fiona: Yes, both feelings.
The children delivered the letter to Michael Jimenez who lives close to NSW and is an alumni dad. Days later, Michael came to New School-West with a big smile on his face.
Michael: It took me some time to open the letter because normally I received notes from people in real estate who are interested in buying my home. Then once I opened it, I realized that you all need help. I never felt that much love from the community before. I can’t believe the kids wrote the entire letter. My wife wants to frame the letter.
Lola: Yes, we wrote it because our tree’s branches are dying.
Michael: Yes, I notice this is happening but that’s part of its nature. We will have to wait until winter to trim down the branches. You need to keep watering the tree once a week. I’ll come back when it is time to trim. For now, it’s just about giving him time because this kind of tree likes the heat.
Lola took this information and shared with the rest of the children.
Reflecting back on this experience, I see how important time, scaffolding, and research are to this school community. Just as it was important to Ozzie and Fiona that Ozzie supported her in writing, it was impactful that Michael was renewed in his view of his changing community and that New School-West is still a strong voice of children and teachers working together. With his help and expertise, we know more about our tree, our community, and our own place in it.
Teacher Adriana