Creating Community Through Noah’s Ark
In October 2010, each class at the PLN – Gratts Primary Center visited the Noah's Ark Exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center as an extension to a school-wide discussion about individual strengths and building community. Students explored, climbed, observed, and discussed how so many different animals could co-exist on the ark. The Skirball staff led students in a discussion of how they could each contribute to "Building a Better World." Upon their return to school, students spent several days working with their classroom teachers and Art Coordinator, Ingrid Herrador, to create masks representing an animal each felt embodied a personal strength. These masks were on display for parents and the community to see at the school’s Parade of Masks. Providing the beat for the parade was a community drum circle made up of parent and student representatives from each of the 16 classrooms and led by Norman Jones of Rhythm Child. The inclusion of a drum circle was also purposefully connected to the percussion jam students experienced at the Skirball. Finally, in December 2010 under the direction of Ms. Herrador, the students created a collaborative art installation demonstrating their understanding of how the school is coming together as a community.
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Fast Facts
In 2007, over 583,000 people in Los Angeles County lived in extreme poverty
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87% of children of immigrant families in Los Angeles County are U.S. citizens
