Lara,
A couple of ideas to consider:
Focus on the enduring message from the story--the Grinch was hurting from not fitting in and being selfish because he was unhappy. Then he had a change of heart because of the compassion of a little child. That act of kindness changed his understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. His heart grew and grew.
That should be the focus, so talk with the kids about ways they have felt like they didn't fit in, or ways they have excluded others. Then discuss how they can show compassion or care for others. How can they show compassion at school? In the garden?
Make heart cutouts with these thoughts and put them on a little "real" Christmas" tree in your classroom that can be planted in or around the school garden later--or better yet a tree in the school garden. Each kid can take turns reading their message aloud them place on the tree.
Heart Cutout alternatives--I have considered ideas for seed starters, bird feeders, etc. with heart shape but they can get complex and may contain peanut butter--gelatin is a good alternative. Another idea is to use rocks and paint them with a heart to place in the garden.
Extend). How about sharing the idea of reading both How the Grinch Stole Christmas along with The Lorax.
Discussion:
How can we share ways to take care of the earth or the environment? Just as the Grinch's heart grew. How can garden and taking care of the Earth help our hearts grow or help our garden grown? Make a class list and try to accomplish some of those ideas for 2022 resolutions in your school community.
------------------------------
Daniel Pattengill
Windsor Intermediate Center-Windsor School District
St. Louis MO
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2021 08:39:53 AM
From: Lara Guerra
Subject: SEL Resources for the Garden
I am trying to get teachers in my school more interested in the school garden. One teacher asked about resources for social and emotional learning in the garden for 1st graders. Since I focus on science and environmental topics in the garden, I am not familiar with techniques and resources for using the garden for SEL. She specifically asked for ideas that would tie in with the reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, though that might be too specific for a link to the garden. This is the first time this teacher has expressed an interest in utilizing the garden and I would hate to come back and say there's nothing available. Does anyone have any resources they can point me towards? Resources don't specifically have to be about the Grinch; I have nothing at the moment and welcome ALL suggestions!
Thanks!
------------------------------
Lara Guerra
The Hockaday School
Dallas, Texas
------------------------------