Summer Reading and Solidarity in the Third Grade Classroom

"In solidarity there is strength; We can move mountains when we're united."
- Unknown

This year, Saint Hedwig School kicked off a new summer reading program based on the Catholic Church’s Social Justice Themes: Care for God’s Creation, Solidarity, Call to Family, and Human Dignity. The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Students read one assigned book in their social justice theme. Upon returning to school in August, students began completing assignments across the curriculum based on the books they read.

In third grade, students were required to read the book,Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.? This third grade chapter book chronicles the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the challenges he faced as an African American civil rights leader. This book was chosen because it ties in beautifully in to the third and fourth grade social justice theme of solidarity.

At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace.Saint Hedwig Celtics are taught that we are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.

To kick off the discussion of solidarity and tie in the third grade Summer reading requirement, students participated in a hand painting Solidarity experiment.

First, students and their teachers talked about what solidarity means. The discussion included words like unity, peace, justice, and how we're "all in this together," here at Saint Hedwig School. Students brought up the idea that everyone is different and God gives each of us different gifts to share. In groups, classmates discussed their similarities and differences. Teachers explained that differences should be celebrated and all individuals are special in God's eyes. That "specialness" would be reflected in the paint color on students hands. No student was given the same paint color to start with.

After receiving their paint, students observed all the different paint colors on each others hands. They noticed that all were very different, or slightly different just like God created us.

Then, students were asked to shake hands with every classmate and pay them a compliment as they shook hands. The two pictures taken of the group were displayed on the board after the activity concluded. Third grade teachers showed the differences in pictures. Another discussion ensued about how even though we all are different and special, we all are similar as well just like the brown paint color we created after shaking hands. The class also pointed out that the end goal was to work together in harmony to create a new paint color. This could not be achieved individually. Students also said that the colors helped them understand that, "even though they are different, they are also the same."

Just like Martin and the African American community embraced solidarity to overcome prejudice, third grade students alike realized that solidarity should be at the forefront of their minds throughout this third grade year.