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Harmony Project Creates a Unique Learning Experience
Why sit in a classroom and study history when you can research, experience and apply the contributions of history and ancient cultures to daily life? That is exactly what Mayfield teachers, Nicole Sanders and Penny Wong considered when presented with an opportunity to partner with Eliot Arts Magnate Academy and Huntington Library and Gardens for a special project this fall. With a new education center opening in the spring, the Huntington had reached out to administrators at each school for some youthful perspective on harmony, the institution’s theme for the year. Add a 7th grade history curriculum on Eastern culture and the opportunity to connect art, mindfulness and history, and the Harmony Project was born.
Twelve ambassadors to the Huntington were chosen from the schools, six from each, to lead and manage the three-month process. The final goal – a standing multi-media exhibit in the courtyard of the new Educational Center- that brings to life the very essence of Harmony, whether through space, photography, poetry or art.
Although the ambassadors will complete the details of the project, Mayfield’s entire seventh grade and a large group of students from Eliot Arts Magnate were involved in determining the direction and focus of the challenge.
At Mayfield students were tasked with immersing themselves in at least one major aspect of Eastern culture. The goal was to learn, through experience and understanding, the ideal of harmony and its attributes and benefits. They were introduced to eight practices such as yoga, meditation, tai chi and calligraphy and then each chose two to research in depth before selecting one practice to focus on. Students spent 20 minutes to an hour each day engaging in their practice of choice and blogging about the experience for five days.
With a greater understanding of harmony in their hearts, the entire class have visited the Huntington Gardens and teamed up with students from Eliot Arts Magnate Academy to find physical representations of harmony on the property. iPads in hand the groups roamed the gardens, with the guidance of seasoned Huntington docents, taking photos of any setting, object or landscape that expressed a sense of harmony. Even wildlife, architecture, hardscapes and surfaces were considered in their quest before students sat down to filter through the photos and pick the best.
The process will continue as the twelve ambassadors review the photographs and develop ideas for the Huntington exhibit. With more to come, the overall project has already illustrated the value of partnership in any effort, and the value of reflection and experience in student learning and skill development.
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Twelve ambassadors to the Huntington were chosen from the schools, six from each, to lead and manage the three-month process. The final goal – a standing multi-media exhibit in the courtyard of the new Educational Center- that brings to life the very essence of Harmony, whether through space, photography, poetry or art.
Although the ambassadors will complete the details of the project, Mayfield’s entire seventh grade and a large group of students from Eliot Arts Magnate were involved in determining the direction and focus of the challenge.
At Mayfield students were tasked with immersing themselves in at least one major aspect of Eastern culture. The goal was to learn, through experience and understanding, the ideal of harmony and its attributes and benefits. They were introduced to eight practices such as yoga, meditation, tai chi and calligraphy and then each chose two to research in depth before selecting one practice to focus on. Students spent 20 minutes to an hour each day engaging in their practice of choice and blogging about the experience for five days.
With a greater understanding of harmony in their hearts, the entire class have visited the Huntington Gardens and teamed up with students from Eliot Arts Magnate Academy to find physical representations of harmony on the property. iPads in hand the groups roamed the gardens, with the guidance of seasoned Huntington docents, taking photos of any setting, object or landscape that expressed a sense of harmony. Even wildlife, architecture, hardscapes and surfaces were considered in their quest before students sat down to filter through the photos and pick the best.
The process will continue as the twelve ambassadors review the photographs and develop ideas for the Huntington exhibit. With more to come, the overall project has already illustrated the value of partnership in any effort, and the value of reflection and experience in student learning and skill development.
Mayfield Junior School
405 South Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101 626.796.2774
Located in Pasadena, California, Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a K-8 Catholic coeducational private school. Our kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school experience best prepares students for high school education and beyond.
