The Dewdrop Digest

The Dewdrop Digest
Connecting Children, Youth and Sangha
Clouds in Water Zen Center
Sunday, January 20, 2002

ABOUT THE DEWDROP

The Dewdrop is published on most Children's Practice Sundays. It features current news (what we're learning and doing today; homework to be prepared for the next session) and provides background information on the program. It is written and edited by Katharine Krueger, Children's Practice Coordinator. Submissions from students, teachers, parents and sangha friends are very welcome. The Dewdrop is posted to our website: www.cloudsinwater.org.

TODAY'S LESSON

During each session this quarter, we will explore another aspect of interconnectedness (also called emptiness, no separation, or boundless openness). Today we recall that each part of the world is empty of a separate self. We will learn that each part of the world, including the sun, moon, wind, rain, rocks and all beings and each of us, depends on its existence on all the other parts. No part could exist without all the other parts.

HOMEWORK

Draw a picture that shows the parts of the world that depend on the sun. See if you can see how the parts depend on each other. You could draw lines between things to show their interdependence. Challenge: Start with something other than the sun! Bring to class on February 3.

UPPER ELEMENTARY FOCUS: CORAL REEFS
by Cat Burns, co-teacher for the 4th/5th grade class

Over the past year I have seen several news stories describing the death of 20-25% of the world's coral reefs. What does this mean to the ocean ecosystem? What does it mean to us? I know nothing about coral reefs, but it seems important to learn. So the teachers and kids of the 4/5 class are working with the theme of interdependence by learning about coral reefs. We are gathering and sharing information first about how animals depend on each other in the reef. Please encourage your child to gather information about animals in the reef and their relationships with each other. These include coral, sea stars, parrot fish, octopus, sharks and many others. We will be putting together a presentation/play for the community from what we learn.

In spring session we will continue exploring the interdependence of the coral reefs and ourselves. With the help of parents of the 4/5 class we plan to go on an outing to the MN Zoo's tidal pool in April. Here are a few resources that you help your child access now as we are beginning to discover the coral reefs:: public library, internet and MN Science Museum's omnitheater showing of Island of the Sharks through early February (651/221-9444).

SPRING QUARTER TREE-PLANTING: NEED YOUR IDEAS

We are looking for a nearby green space to plant 15-30 trees. The Park Board will provide us with saplings and an orientation, but cannot locate a suitable park. If you have an idea of where we could plant trees, contact Katharine Krueger.

QUESTION, SUGGESTION, PROBLEM? Contact Children's and Youth Practice Coordinator Katharine Krueger at (651) 222-6968 x10 or katharine@cloudsinwater.org.

posted by Michael Howard on 1/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | link