Sandwich Central School's
“One School – One Book” Project
featuring the book: Three Cups of Tea
Submitted by Kathleen Hill
During the months of January and February, all students in grades K – 8 participated in a “One School – One Book” activity that focused on the award-winning book, Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen. This is a story that takes place in Pakistan and that depicts the power of one… one person who made a difference in the lives of others. Every student in grades K – 8 received their very own copy of the book. Students in grades K – 4 received the children’s version entitled, Listen to the Wind. Students in grades 5 – 8 received the young readers’ edition of Three Cups of Tea.
Throughout this project, students had the opportunity to learn about Pakistan (and the surrounding area), and learned about the people and culture. The theme of ASPIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE was woven into our activities. Below is an outline of activities:
A kick-off assembly was led by the principals in their respective buildings: (At the assembly, students received their books and some buttons.)
Project Gets Underway:
· All students in grades K-4 received a personal copy of Listen to the Wind, the picture book version of Three Cups of Tea
· All students in grades 5-8 received a personal copy of the young readers’ Version of Three Cups of Tea
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS:
· TRAVELING TRUNK: A trunk which contained a variety of authentic Afghan artifacts, was available throughout the month. A core group of staff members was “trained” to talk about the contents of this trunk and were available to come to classrooms/grade levels to share these artifacts and discuss their relevance to Afghanistan. Teachers invited someone who had been “trained” to present the trunk to their students.
· GUEST SPEAKER: David Lincoln, a retired businessman from Maine was in-district throughout the day to meet with classrooms/grade levels. Mr. Lincoln has travelled extensively in Central Asia and will share pictures and stories. He compared and contrasted the people, food, schools, clothing, games, sports, homes, customs and traditions in Central Asia to our own local culture.
· SPECIALISTS:: All of the specialists (art, music, PE, Spanish) researched and planned activities that dovetailed with Three Cups of Tea and/or the Power of One: Aspire to Make a Difference theme. These activities were woven into specials classes throughout the month.
Teachers were encouraged to include cultural activities that supported cultural understanding and comprehension.
· WEAVING PROJECT: Teacher coordinated a one-school/one-weaving project.
· GIANT MAP: a GIANT FLOOR MAP of Asia will be used in the gym during PE classes.
King Arthur Flour Bread-Making Assembly:
The main culminating activity involves each student in grades K – 8 baking a loaf of bread. The bread was donated to local food pantries and helped feed many people. Our students learned that through this simple act, they have made a difference for someone…and collectively, our schools have made a tremendous food donation and made a difference to people in need.
King Arthur Flour Company donated all of the ingredients to bake the bread. The bread was baked in the schools over the course of a few days. King Arthur representatives ran an assembly teaching students in grades 5 – 8 how to make bread. Each student will received the ingredients to bake 2 loaves of bread. Over the course of the next few days, students in grades 1 – 4 paired up with students in grades 5 – 8 to make the bread.
Bread-Making:
· Classes were paired up (older grades with younger grades) and scheduled for a bread making session.
· Bread made early in the week was frozen until the “loaf collection”
Special Event - Tea with the Principals:
· At I-LES classes will be scheduled to go to the kiosk to listen to a story and have tea with Dr. Kelley and Ms. Mulcahy. Sandwich will conduct a similar activity.
Closing Ceremony:
· An assembly was held to celebrate the learning and baking the students have done. All 600+ loaves of bread were brought into the multi-purpose room for viewing and for delivery to local food pantries.
Some Related Information:
Enduring Understandings:
· People of different countries have different systems of beliefs, knowledge, values, and traditions
· Events or global issues effect interactions between countries
· Societies around the world express themselves artistically
· Geography affects the way that people live, work and play
· Needs and wants are unlimited. Resources are limited
· Scarcity requires economic decisions
· The world is interconnected
Ideas that the specialists may be implementing:
MUSIC:
- Middle East Unit will be taught, including geography, instruments, and music of that area.
- Students will learn the 3 Cups of Tea Song for the closing assembly.
- Students will view the 3 Cups of Tea song video.
ART:
- Decorated trunks-clay tiles-raised relief wood pieces
- Islamic pattern
- Artsonia-poetry folders
- Metalwork-silver cardstock
- Mosque architecture
- Textiles - rug design
- Beaded bracelets
- Block prints
- Mehndi - painted hands
SPANISH:
- Cultural norms and vocabulary from the region.
- Language, (greetings, etc).
- Reading of various stories about / from the region.
- Geography of the area
Physical Education:
- Discuss/play games that are big in Pakistan and talk about some of the traditional sporting games. (Badminton, soccer, field hockey).
