This Project was Totally For the Birds

If you haven’t had a chance to participate in a project at the New E3 School , start looking for an opportunity - now. This was my first occasion, and little did I know the delightful experience awaiting.

The building itself just hollers “Come On In” to kids of all ages (including big kids like me). It is a relatively new structure with a high ceiling in the central corridor, and classrooms lining either side. Classrooms have tall windows, allowing for wonderful splashes of light on the cheerfully painted spaces, which are further decorated with children’s artwork. Just entering the building, buzzing with activity and the air of holiday celebration, was uplifting.

The activity . “Assist Children (toddler – age 5) building Birdfeeder Wreaths.” New E3 School. December 7, 2019.

Sophia Fowler, Class of ’17, led an enthusiastic team of “big kids” (aka NMGs) throughout the morning as we helped a gentle stream of very small children find seats at the pint-sized worktable. One or both parents, who also seemed to enjoy participating, accompanied the littlest ones.

The children chose the base color (red, gold or silver) for their wreaths from small stacks of metallic pipe cleaners. We next demonstrated how to string the pipe cleaner with bird food from one of two large bowls of Cheerios (dry, of course). Then, we showed how to convert a straight string of “beads” into a wreath. Once satisfied with their work, they topped the wreaths off with a sweet red bow. The kids had fun with this project, albeit in different ways: some were very serious – even meticulous - about the construction, others were satisfied with just a few Cheerios on the wreath, and one very clever little boy, who must have realized it was time for a snack, decided to eat his wreath! (Birds: beware the competition.)

A side note: two delightful Chrysler Museum docents shared one side of the schoolroom with us – and were all prepared to discuss art and read stories to other children; unfortunately, they lacked attendees. No matter - when they saw how much fun we were having, they laid down their books and joined in the wreath making!

The school staff provided the supplies, carefully laid out for easy assembly. Michelle Fuller gets a high five for recommending the activity, as does Sophia for rounding up the helpers. Diane Fleming kept a close eye on the number of “contacts” and took charge of recording. Other participating elves included Olena Peterson and Dan Haworth.