Slice of Heaven
As part of social studies learning, Mr. DeVries helped students connect how the United States colonies shared similar cultural, political, and economic values as England, just as God’s people should share the same love, Spirit, and goodness found in Heaven. If we are a colony of heaven, that should have some implications! Students were challenged to bring restoration and attributes of Heaven to the relationships they have on Earth.
In response, they filled out a three-week calendar with a different challenge each week and a different task each day. The goal was simple: bring a slice of Heaven to those around them with simple acts of kindness.
Social studies learning in Mr. DeVries’ class connects to the storyline of “Delight Grow and Go”. This unit allowed students to specifically think about growing to be intentional and to go and act, even in seemingly small ways, to share Christ’s love here on Earth.
Podcasting and Voice
In informational writing, eighth-grade students practiced researching, synthesizing information, and more, with their learning centered on the topic of sustainability. Recognizing the importance of stewarding both creation and resources in our own lives, students chose a topic they felt passionate about (sports, fishing, hunting, clothing, etc.) and developed a podcast that explained an issue and how to engage in these activities in a more sustainable way. Working with a partner, students researched their chosen topics, learned the basics of podcasting, recorded a session, and edited it to produce high-quality work. Writing and researching are essential skills, but so is creatively sharing what is learned!
Planting Community
Throughout the year, kindergarten students explore what it means to Shine for Christ. In recent FLEx work, students connected their classroom learning to service through an integrated study of science, art, and faith.
Guided by Mrs. Battjes and Mrs. Clousing, students reflected on how God created each person uniquely. Students created artwork highlighting things they are good at and things that are hard for them, celebrating how God uses our differences to bless others. As part of their science curriculum, students studied plants by collecting flowers and greenery found around BCCS. They practiced being creation enjoyers as they observed God’s world, and they were beauty creators as they pressed and dried flowers. Students then created pinch pots and used their flowers to decorate them.
To extend their learning, the finished pots were delivered to Rising Kites (a coffee shop that provides employment and job training to individuals with intellectual disabilities while fostering community) as a gesture of encouragement and gratitude, allowing students to share their gifts with the community and live out what it means to Shine for Christ.