Colossal Community Collaboration: Venice through the Eyes of First Grade

SUPERLATIVES! Exclamations! SUPERLATIVES!

As a visiting author-illustrator making school visits, I have seen some pretty amazing displays over the last two decades. I am prone to using superlatives. In every day conversation. Seriously, folks. I have seen THE most incredible display of community collaborative work, ever! EPIC doesn't even get us into the right ballpark. 

Last week I concluded my travels with my third visit to the Seven Hills school in Cincinnati. I have been fortunate to work with their Early Childhood teachers each time. Starting off with their wee-wittle teenies and their parents, then the preschool and culminating with their Kinders. Visiting a school that places a priority on the arts is thrilling for this old Art teacher. I have written about my previous visits numerous times.

Nothing prepared me for my 'hostess' eagerness to take me into their 'big-kids' building adjacent to where I had visited each trip. She said that the first graders had created a visit-to-Italy. I've been to Italy. What could be better. So we crossed the driveway, went upstairs and behold! The entire hallway. Both sides. Floor to ceiling. Collaboration.

I give you the GRAND CANAL of VENICE! First grade style.

I couldn't resist digging into my photos from my beloved weekend in Venice.

{{{YES! VENICE ITALY!!!}}} 

I am thrilled to relive our great European school-visit tour. 

All over again! 

ENJOY!!!

A few details that I think I have correct from my tour-guide, Julie. 

Every year for the last nine years, the entire first grade team has focused their study on a specific country. 

They have yet to revisit a country.

So yes. This is their first trip to Italy.

As you can imagine, 

this effort spanned several months of study and creation.

Yes. Venice affords LOTS of opportunity for shopping. 

Here's the only picture of shoes that I took in Italy..... 

yes, because of the polka dots. 

No. I didn't purchase them. 

They didn't fit. 

Look at this collection of Venetian GLASS! 

And now for the final and amazing three dimension detail. 

Yes. Venice is a city of foot bridges. 

Here's my collage of some favorites. 

DRUMROLLLLLLLLLL. 

I give you THE bridge. 

The RIALTO Bridge. 

Spanning the Grand Canal. 

What prompts this level of awesomeness? 

Epic awesomeness? 

What prompts teachers to this level of inspiration? 

How long will these six and seven year olds remember this experience. 

How many of them have added VENICE to the top of their bucket list?

How soon can I get back? 

I have been the recipient of teacher-zeal.

I have been showered with teacher-excellence.

My blog is a record of that focus and enthusiasm. 

I have had numerous occasions where teachers have directed their students to respond to my work. 

Check out these two colossal community collaborations.

Each in response to my picture books. 

I have each of these two songs in digital download format at Teachers Pay Teachers. 

Would you be willing to pin from this amazing article.