Students Stuff Dolls with Harvested Cotton at Temple Beth Sholom Schools

As a part of the project-based learning curriculum for students at Temple Beth Sholom (TBS) Schools, second and third grade students stuffed Kachina dolls with cotton, inspired by their studies of Native American history and cultures, for Everyday Blessings, a local foster home in Sarasota.

Second and third grade teachers Nancy Koplin and Barbara O’Brien worked together with kindergarten teacher Shonna Brady on the project that paired the students to work on building and decorating the dolls, while some of the younger students made accessories for the dolls.

“Our students actually harvested the cotton from our on-campus garden, and learned about the process of separating the cotton and the seeds and how time consuming it is. We had the older students paint the Kachina dolls, and a parent helped us by stitching them together for the students to stuff,” said Nancy Koplin, a teacher at TBS Schools. “Several students started commenting about how much work it was, and we were able to remind them that this was only 30 minutes of work, in a nice and air conditioned school with full bellies. It really helps drive home how fortunate we are, and how important it is to give back,” she said.

Mason Weinstein, a TBS Schools second grade student, explained the story of the Kachina dolls and the Hopi tribe. “The Hopi stuffed Kachina dolls and prayed for their enemies because they were a peaceful tribe. They prayed for rain and danced, and the kids watched them and learned,” he said.

The students began learning about the history and cultures of Native American tribes from around the country in different regions, and while learning about Southwestern tribes, the students learned about the Hopi tribe and the Kachina dolls.

“A lot of work went into our dolls, and it feels good to donate them. We have a lot of stuff, and instead of someone just putting these dolls on a shelf, other kids can actually use them to feel better,” said third grade student Alexus Livesey.

Temple Beth Sholom Schools (TBSS), an independent, private, all faiths day school affiliated with Temple Beth Sholom, serves the Pre-School and K-8 population in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. With a mission to impact the world through academic excellence, global citizenship and compassionate action, students are taught through Project-Based Learning (PBL) with a focus on teaching for understanding.

TBSS encompasses the Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool program, established in 1974, which consists of classes for Baby Play and education for children up through pre-K. Additionally, The Goldie Feldman Academy (GFA), an expansion of the Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool, was established in 1992 and serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade. The TBSS curriculum and values center on The Kavod Code, which means honor and respect in Hebrew, and is based on principles that provide a framework for living and working together in an atmosphere of honesty, integrity, mutual trust and respect.  While the school is affiliated with Temple Beth Sholom, TBSS hires staff and accepts students of every religious and cultural background. TBS Schools is accredited by Florida Kindergarten Council along with the Florida Council of Independent Schools.

For more information about TBS Schools, go to www.tbsschools.org