Wangari's Trees of Peace can be used to teach peace through individual participation. When many people combine their efforts, something truly wonderful, helpful, and beautiful can be accomplished.
Book:
Wangari's Trees of Peace: a true story of Africa by Jeanette Winter
Three PowerPoint Slides:
Poster cut out of tree:
Paper tree with slits for flower blossoms. Orange and yellow squares of tissue papers to be quickly pinched into a Nandi Flame Tree blossom and wrapped with pipecleaner. Depending on time, an elison cut out of green leaf can be attached to blossom for each student to write their name. Students will attach blossom to tree or simply take home with them.
The idea here is to show the result of a group effort. One individual's contribution makes a difference.
Read Wingari's Trees of Peace and discuss concepts of peace, perseverance, community participation.
INSTRUCTION
Information literacy skill: Biography
Explain that there are many excellent stories about people in Biography section.
Ask what is a biography is? Ask if it is fiction or nonfiction?, (use Robin's non-fiction = information; fiction = imagination prompt). Ask where can you find biographies at the library?
"Find some great books to check out." Have display ready for check out.
ACTIVITY
Have orange and yellow squares of tissue paper on table with four-inch pipecleaner twists. Students will create a flame tree blossom to add to the bare tree poster on the door? backside of easle?. The idea is that students can see their combined efforts by making a lovely decoration for the library.