Over the last few months, I’ve written several times about the Lennon Wall I’ve created in my classroom. From the initial debacle of having to take it down to sharing student art, the response from readers has been overwhelming. Knowing that the message of the Lennon Wall has reached beyond the confines of my classroom is an incredible experience and I hope the message continues to spread.
In the months since I posted Reconstructing the Lennon Wall, the Listening to the Wall series and Clearly, I Will Not Be Silenced, the Lennon Wall has been pieced back together one section at a time. I made the decision not to re-create the same pattern that existed prior to the walls being painted. Instead of returning to a moment of sadness, I decided to move forward with a fresh start. I used all the same pieces my students created in May 2012, but I let the random nature of fate decide their new positions on the wall. The result is a beautiful new Lennon Wall that is full of vibrant optimism.
On the first day of school, my students from the previous school year stopped by in droves to check out the newly constructed wall and to find their pieces. Meanwhile, the power of the Lennon Wall continues to grow as my new students are already buzzing about creating their own pieces for the wall. I am so excited to see them embrace the beauty of individual expression and I can’t wait to hear their voices.
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c.b.w. 2012
What a great source of inspiration you are. I applaud you and your efforts and your kids.
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Thank you – that’s very kind. 🙂 It was amazing to see them so excited!
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I love this!!!! The work and ideas of John Lennon are the sort of inspiration kids today need; love, peace, humanity, understanding, creativity. I got to sleep in the hotel room where he wrote “Give Peace a Chance” and did his and Yoko’s love in. I like to think I sucked in a little bit of that spirit even all these years later.
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Wow! How cool is that!? 🙂
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Yep, still a great idea! So much worth in freedom of expression. It obviously meant something to your previous students if they bothered to come back and see where their art ended up. Kudos to you for being such a great teacher!
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I can’t believe how many came by! And they are still coming by with friends to show them their piece. I think this year is going to be the best one yet!
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What lucky kids to have a teacher like you!!
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Awww, thanks! It’s my hope that I make them feel safe, happy, and appreciated for at least 53 minutes a day. 🙂
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It’s wonderful to see the newest incarnation of the Lennon Wall. You are such a wonderful influence on and example for your students.!
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Didn’t it turn out beautiful! I think this was meant to be all along for so many reasons. 🙂
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I love it that both old and new students are linked in to this year’s incarnation of the wall. Last year’s students know that they along with their ideas and creations are still important to you. And this year’s students know and anticipate that there will be a place for them and their ideas and art as well. You are creating the community of the Wall.
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How fabulous to know that this year’s students are already gearing up for their own masterpieces, inspired by last year’s class, passing on peace and understanding to another generation. 🙂
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They are so excited! They are always asking when we’re going to do the wall! Sorry guys, you have to wait until May.
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At the John Lennon Memorial Garden, Durness, Scotland.
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That’s pretty cool! Weird, but cool! 😉
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I love how colorfull it is. It looks full of promise.
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I hope that’s what my students feel when they see it every day! 🙂
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You sound like the kind of teacher that kids remember long into adulthood! Beautiful work on that wall.
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I hope so – if anything maybe their memory of me will remind them to be fearless and creative. 🙂
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CB–I know they will remember your lessons and example throughout their lives. Just like Mr Holland, Sir in to Sir with Love, Marva Collins, Music of the Heart—and ever so many more movies and stories….you launch kites and balloons, you lift hearts. your wall is and continues to be a living reminder of their connection to history and the future….so brilliant.
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I’m smiling so big right now. Thank you for such kind words. 🙂
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