The project started with reading the book “What Does Peace Feel Like?” by Vladimir Radunsky. The story collections ideas about peace from children around the world. The book ask children what does peace feel like, smell like, taste like, look like and sound like to them. We read the book together and then kindergarteners reflected on what peace feels, smells, looks, and sounds like to them. They talked about the taste of their favorite foods they eat with their families on special occasions or the smell of fresh flowers in the summer and the feel of a hug from someone they love. For the next step, kindergarteners drew pictures of their different kinds of peace.
During the next class kindergarteners made their peace lamps. The students cut out their pictures of peace. Then they glued the pictures between two pieces of wax paper. Then we helped students roll their papers into a cylinder and glue it to the bottom of circle gift box. The final step was adding a small battery tea light inside the lamp. Now students have peace lamps to turn on when they need moments of peace and calm in their lives. This project made connections to the meditation practices and helping students learn to calm themselves and find moments of peace.
