The object of education is to teach us love of beauty.
Plato
I adore that the classrooms of Reggio Emilia hold aesthetic beauty as an important part of respecting the child and their learning environment. Waldorf education honors the child with objects made from the highest quality – as natural as possible. These things make such a difference in the atmosphere of the classroom. This is one of those projects that brings such a special mood with it! This tree is so beautiful not only in the classroom but in the home as well.
My school has been closed because of a blizzard that rumbled across the midwest! I had planned this as a project this week. It was clear today that it wasn't going to happen this week so I sent my husband out into the depths of the snow to find a tree branch. Normally, the children would help me create the blossom tree. No worries – when we return to school they will make marbelized hearts to hang on the tree. This tree is not only great for the Chinese New Year but it transitions nicely into Valentine's.
Before
After
What you will need: heavy gel medium (for the glue), deep pink tissue paper cut into squares, and a tree branch.
Scrunch up the tissue paper to form a blossom.
Dip the blossom into the gel medium.
Place blossom on branch.
Love!
That is just gorgeous! I love that it will transform into a Valentine tree as well!
That is SO awesome! I would have never thought of doing that, but am going to go look for some branches ASAP! I love Reggio Emilia too, they really have some wonderful ideas, and at the core, respect for the child is key. I have been thinking of ways in which to incorporate some more of their thoughts in our homeschool, like long term community style projects. I think maybe we will work at building a nest together with natural materials.
thanks for sharing.
Wow! You are sooooo creative! We are going to make a smaller version for our celebration today!
Love it, love it, LOVE IT! I’m very inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach as well, although I feel like I rarely achieve it.
And I love the contrast of the gentle blossoms with the harsh weather you all have been experiencing. It will be a great treat when your little ones finally get back to class to see what has “bloomed” during the blizzard. PLEASE post a picture of how it looks when it is decorated with Valentine’s hearts as well!
Thank you so much for inspiring us with this project.
Do you know if this would work with heavier paper, like pink copy paper or post-it notes? I teach a very different population, middle schoolers (http://teachingyourmiddleschooler.blogspot.com/), but last night I was thinking this would be great to do in the spring when we study Shintoism in our World Religion class. But I would like them to write their wishes or prayers or affirmations on the papers, then stick them onto a branch for their Shinto shrine. Do you think that would work with the gel, or would I have to do it a different way?
Carol, I think your idea rocks! I wonder if a solid color origami paper might be the answer? It is thinner than copy paper and does come in some amazing colors. Michael’s carries a nice selection and you can also get it online. The gel would still work. The gel is something to have on hand as it is so useful in gluing without running or drips.
That’s a great idea, thanks. About how big are the squares you use?
I love all your ideas to do with Chinese! I will be either doing them or sharing them with my colleagues to create some for Chinese New Year this year!
Thank you!
Simone Haughey
Robin Hood Primary Languages Teacher
What a beautiful idea!! I’m excited to do this with the children but we live in the city! How can I find a big tree branch? Any suggestions are welcomed!
Lucky for me, we live around a lot of trees, so I was able to find one fallen to the ground. Do you have a florist shop or craft shop that has branches for floral design? You may have to get some floral tape and put a few together. Maybe wire wrapped in green or brown duct tape? Anyone have another idea?