A group of learners were discussing the wonder of holiday flowers this morning while analyzing the amazing story of The Legend Of The Poinsettia.  In the tradition of his The Legend of the Bluebonnet and The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush, author Tomie dePaola offers a gracious retelling of a timeless Mexican folktale.  His beautiful narrative and paintings with strong colors present the story of a well-intentioned child named Lucida.  Distressed because she has no other gift to offer, she carries an armful of collected weeds into her church on Christmas Eve.  Because of her generosity, each leaf suddenly becomes “tipped with a flaming red star,” thus marking the miraculous blooming of the first poinsettias.  These students were intensely conversing at the Teacher Table about the lessons of folktales and why we read them.  They also waxed poetic about other seasonal flowers shared during other holidays and family celebrations as well as those they found particularly special.  At this point, they noticed my “snooping” and offered our question today:  “What festive flower reminds you most of the holiday season and why do you find it so special?”

I’m grateful and so blessed to share these special moments with our students; they never cease to amaze me!  As one shared today:  “It’s about the power of the flower when we celebrate our traditions!”  🙂

Note:  Please remember to join us this evening for the 3rd Grade Holiday Program, Broadway Santa at 7:00, followed by shopping in the PTO’s Holiday Shoppe until 8:00.  Also, thanks for returning all those Angel Tree gifts; we appreciate your overwhelming support and generosity, LME!