Reconstructing the Lennon Wall . . . Again

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.

Center Section of Lennon Wall as of August 2012

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

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Almost There!

Finish what you’re writing. Whatever you have to do to finish it, finish it.

– Neil Gaiman

Novel #2 is getting closer and closer to completion.  The goal is to get it done by the end of next week. I will do whatever I have to do to reach the final sentence. I hope success tastes as sweet as that strawberry!

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c.b.w. 2012

Listening to the Wall: Part 6

Listening to the Wall is a series dedicated to showcasing pieces of student art that helped create an incarnate of the Lennon Wall  in my classroom.

For further information, please visit these links:

Reconstructing the Lennon Wall

Listening to the Wall: Part 1

Listening to the Wall: Part 2

Listening to the Wall: Part 3

Listening to the Wall: Part 4

Listening to the Wall: Part 5

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After a little hiatus, here are few more pieces of student-created artwork. They are full of beautiful and bold colors! I hope they brighten everyone’s day.

I love how this student played with the peace sign.  It’s both whimsical and deeply hopeful that we will all one day board that bus.

The eyes in this piece are so intense.  I often wonder where her inspiration came from to create such an insightful work of art.

I put this piece on the wall almost every year.  I love the energy that pops off the page and how she includes her love of music.

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c.b.w. 2012

A Little Optimism

I love turtles and I love looking at life with the bright light of optimism.  This little cartoon brightened my day and I hope it does the same for you.

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c.b.w. 2012

Project Spirit Journal: Heart

The ultimate key to life is to have a good heart.

Who knew a skunk could be so wise?

Love with all you have and the rest falls into place.

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This is the last page of Project Spirit Journal! I hope these pages have inspired creativity and a positive outlook on life.

Stay inspired!

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c.b.w. 2012