Originally published in April 2016
Whether you are the chief of police or a child just about to enter kindergarten, we all have fears. There are times in our lives when our minds and bodies overrule our sensibility, and fear sets in. Our palms sweat. Our breath comes a little faster. We have trouble thinking straight.
Students in my reading classes at Cecil Intermediate spent several weeks investigating this strong emotion. They read relatable stories with children who experienced various forms of fear, and also nonfiction science pieces detailing what happens inside our bodies and brain when encountering fear.
But that’s not all: The school is also partnering with the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Gateway to the Arts to help area children overcome their fears while undergoing medical procedures and treatment.
On Friday, Feb. 26, a child-life specialist visit Cecil Intermediate’s reading classes to share the special equipment and techniques used to help kids handle anxiety.
On Monday, Feb. 29, fabric and textile artist Amy Masters took up residency in the school’s newly created makerspace.
Students spent 10 class periods learning to stitch, both by hand and with a machine – starting with simple pillowcases that will provide comfort to the patients at Children’s Hospital.
As part of the project, students read related articles about kids helping kids, and also researched additional sewing techniques to apply to our personalized projects. Students at CIS are also lending their hands to a similar project involving the Cecil Township nonprofit organization Jameson’s Army.
“I want our students to know that even at ages 11 and 12, they can directly impact the community. They can respond to something they’ve read and take action,” Mrs. Lavallee said. “Their skills, either existing or new – like sewing in this case – can raise awareness, provide support and start conversations. To me, that’s clear evidence that learning is happening! Learning should be fun, exciting and rewarding.”
The special nurses in the heart unit at Children’s Hospital will lend their experienced sewing skills to make special pillows for the youngsters in their care. The school is even hosting a fabric drive (complete with student-made collection boxes) to help them get their project off the ground!