The Magic of Symbolism: New Grade 5 "Wishtree" Project
This month, Graland's fifth graders completed a new project that blended literature, symbolism, and creativity under the guidance of Grade 5 English Teacher Kimm Lucas and Innovation Specialist Jorge Chavez. While reading Katherine Applegate's New York Times bestseller "Wishtree," students delved into the significance of symbols in storytelling.
As they followed the journey of Red, an oak tree serving as a community "Wishtree," the fifth graders learned how symbolism enhances a narrative's message. They participated in various activities, solving riddles and examining objects for their symbolic meanings, prompting them to reflect on personal symbols that resonated with their lives.
To deepen their understanding, students transformed their chosen symbols into tangible ornaments. With the assistance of Mr. Chavez, each student designed and created unique, laser-cut pieces in the Gates Invention and Innovation Lab, which were displayed on four laser crafted wooden trees celebrating the central symbol of the "Wishtree" and highlighting the unity and collaboration within the fifth-grade community.
The project reached its peak as the fifth graders applied their insights into symbolism by composing original poetry. Using various styles and techniques, each student wrote a poem inspired by their selected symbol, allowing them to explore self-expression while deepening their literary understanding. Fantastic work, Grade 5!
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
