12.17.2012

my hands are my heart

I went to see the Hobbit movie over the weekend. There was a scene that has stayed with me while trying to process the recent horrific event that has broken all of our hearts- Gandalf the wizard is explaining why he chose a hobbit to help in their journey:

"Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage."

Funny that wizards, elves, dwarves, and hobbits helped to restore my faith in humanity. I wish powerful laws could protect us and we had better mental health care for all. The thought of all that probably not happening in my lifetime leaves me feeling powerless though. What I can do, and what we can all do, is keep evil at bay with small daily acts of kindness, love, and courage.

I'd like to share our 4th grade creative art journaling on the theme: My Hands Are My Heart. They give me courage!

















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10 comments:

  1. Deaf Art TeacherDecember 17, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Thank you for sharing this project. All day I've been looking for ideas to share - art projects that relate to peace or compassion. "Art as Healing" was my post earlier today. I will save your project idea as well, thanks again!

    www.deafartteacher.blogspot.com

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  2. Chesterbrook Academy ElementaryDecember 17, 2012 at 6:16 PM

    What a beautiful project illustrating great ideas.
    Colorful and hopeful.

    Your students did an amazing job.

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  3. MaryDecember 17, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    What a beautiful post! These colorful art journals with the children's hands and feelings are especially touching right now. Really lovely Shannah!

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  4. MissDecember 17, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    Beautifully said and beautiful artwork.♥

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  5. Miriam PaternosterDecember 18, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    amazing works!! Thanks for sharing

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  6. Rina k6art.comDecember 20, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    These are gorgeous. I love the idea of portrait that expresses the heart but doesn't show the face.

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  7. willowdayJanuary 3, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    I've just found your blog via Parents and find it just beautiful. I like the simplistic beauty and depth you're creating with your classroom. This is exactly the heart of where I try to be, as a mother, with my children. Just back from many unplugged, holiday days, with my family and I look forward to perusing your site when my family is back in school again! I love to have ideas on hand for the kids.

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  8. willowdayFebruary 15, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    The kids must have been so proud and the parents so happy to receive these "keepers."

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  9. Laura KimMay 30, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    Thank you for this inspirational post. My 4th graders used this assignment for our art show this year! I will be posting pictures shortly on my blog and link back credit to you! :)

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  10. HeatherAugust 4, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    Very moving and inspiring to see this work that you and your students have done. Thank you for sharing.

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