Pinterest Pick Thursdays

I assume you all know the drill by now...

Pinterest Pick of the Week:

Pinwheels for Peace

Faith Formation Component:

Context / Calling

Time for Activity:

0.5 hours - 1 hour

Recommended Age:

Kindergarten and Up

Material:

Pinwheel for Peace Template, Straight Pin, Pencil with Eraser, Decorative Material

Activities:

September 21 is the international day of peace, or 'Peace One Day' - a day of global cease-fire and non-violence.  Learn more by watching the TED talk below with 'Peace One Day' creator Jeremy Gilly.

Or, visit the websites, 'Peace One Day' and 'International Day of Peace.'

Now that you are an expert, gather your family together, share what you have learned and celebrate by creating pinwheels for peace.  Originally an art installation dreamed up by Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, two art teachers from Florida, Pinwheels for Peace has now spread across the globe.  The two talk about the project on their website, Pinwheels for Peace.

A pinwheel is a childhood symbol – it reminds us of a time when things were simple, joyful, peaceful. A pinwheel is easily made using just about any type of material, from copy paper, to thin plastic, to lightweight metal. The stick of the pinwheel can be as simple as a pencil or as intricate as a carved stick or metal rod. Pinwheels can be made as small as one inch in diameter or as large as desired – limited only by the creator’s materials and motivation. Pinwheels can be minimal or very complex – imagination, creativity (and a mild breeze) are the only variables needed.

Everyone will create pinwheels, pinwheels of all shapes and sizes – as part of the creation process, write your thoughts about "war and peace / tolerance/ living in harmony with others" on one side. The writing can be poetry, prose, haiku, or essay-style – whatever writing form is appropriate as you express yourself. On the other side, draw, paint, collage, etc. to visually express your feelings. Assemble these pinwheels and on International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, 2009, "plant" your pinwheels outside (at the schools, museum, public places, etc.) as a public statement and art exhibit/installation. The spinning of the pinwheels in the wind will spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the country, the world!

You can find pinwheel instructions and templates by visiting the Pinwheels for Peace Website.

A few follow up questions:

1. Why is peace important?
2. Why is peace so hard?
3. What can we do to spread peace?

Original Sources:  All original sources are sited above.

Peace to you,

 - Ms. Meredith