Fifth graders created a symbolic “key” inspired by their reading of The Arrival by Shaun Tan. The keys were made to represent an idea each student believes is essential to understanding the unique beauty of others. Drawing from the novel, students designed a physical key and attached a symbol that reflected a feeling, action, or belief, such as empathy, kindness, or openness. Through this project, students connected literature to personal reflection and meaning-making. They then shared their keys with the class, explaining the significance of their chosen symbols and ideas.
– Vaniecia Skinner, fifth grade teacher
