Whirled Peace

As you know, this year was the ten year anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. Many of the students at our school were babies or not even born yet on that date. To honor the anniversary of 9/11 and in conjunction with International Day of Peace (Sept. 21), students from grades 3 to 8 made Pinwheels for Peace. This project was started six years ago by two art teachers. Students from all over the world participate and now even the students at Corner! On the International Day of Peace, my 7th grade students came early to help me put out all the beautiful pinwheels in front of the school. The pinwheels stayed out all day. It was beautiful.

making signs to hang around school

International Day of Peace sign being made

Pinwheels for Peace!

posing with the pinwheels :)

7th grade

pinwheels on display after Sept. 21

hallway of pinwheels

In preparation for this project, each class brainstormed the meaning of peace and related words. I told them whatever they wrote about peace on the pinwheels would be sent out into the world when the pinwheels whirled. They were very thoughtful and came up with some great ideas. I have to hand it to the 7th grade for being most enthusiastic. They helped with the preparation of the pinwheels, sign making, and putting them out on Sept. 21. I loved seeing their enthusiastic involvement!

I hated that the pinwheels could be on display for only one day in the yard (I don't think they would have survived the night), so I hung them up in the hallway outside my door. They even spin a little during class change :)