Chalking it Up to Inspiration
Seniors in Melissa Barthelmes’ AP Literature class often talk about the impact of literature on their lives during class discussions, but this week they demonstrated it by decorating the front walkway of the high school with inspirational quotes from their own readings or from class assignments.
“This was a special, end-of-year culminating activity,” said Barthelmes. “It got the students thinking critically and deeply about the literature and learnings from the course this year. I wanted it to be a fun, yet meaningful exercise.”
It was a hot and humid day, but the students got right to work, using chalk to write out their selected quotes, some featuring decorative design elements and others left simply as text.
One student wrote out a quote from J.K. Rowling: “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
On another section of the sidewalk, a quote attributed to author Terry Prachett was spelled out: “Sometimes it is better to light a flamethrower than curse the darkness.”
“It was so special to connect with the students through this activity,” said Barthelmes. “We had great conversations about their quote choices.” She said that talking about literature and what inspires her students makes her happy as both an educator and a person. “This was such a simple activity, and yet it brought so much joy into the world,” she said.