Six Lessons with Delphi and the
Sanctuary School Approach to Education
|
Six Lessons with Delphi is the ethical
and creative component of Graffiti Abatement Program's "Stepping
Stones" course. Stepping Stones introduces a new learning
environment which explores the "Circle of Life" and
what that means to each individual. Graffiti Abatement Program
(GAP), a service of the city of Tucson government in Pima County,
Arizona, is directed by Michelle
Phillips who designed Stepping Stones.
Since November 2000, Six Lessons with
Delphi has been at the center of Stepping Stones educational
experience which consists of:
· the preparation of a Vision Portfolio by students,
giving them a creative choice in building their education and
· a "hands-on" approach in designing a "visual
blueprint" from the portfolio using natural earthen materials
and displaying the blueprint in community culverts as a revivifying
element in Tucson neighborhoods.
 |
Desert View High School,
Chaparral and Challenger Middle Schools
received the Academic Preparation for
Excellence award for this project.
Students from Desert View High School
administered the vision portion of the project
to the middle school students.
|
Six Lessons with Delphi engages children
and older students in principles of partnership, kindness, respect
for all life, and the uniqueness and value of individual and
community expression. Stepping Stones teachers have integrated
the lessons into programs offered in Tucson neighborhood centers
and public schools, through Pima County Restorative Justice Program,
Community College, and Parks and Recreation Department, and University
of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona Department of Corrections
(juvenile) and Wilmot State Prison.
Numerous day programs for children, teens and adults have
been offered, as well, at such events as Earth Day, Southern
Arizona Language Fair, Annual Conference of Tucson Association
for the Education of Young Children, Tucson Community Service
Club, Volunteer of Tucson Americorps, University of Arizona Association
of Fraternity and Sorority Volunteer Day and Project Volunteer.
Susan Hunt, a Stepping
Stones teacher, coordinates monthly meetings of the Tucson Delphi's
Kid's Club.
Most recently, for a program for adult male prisoners, Patricia Jepsen
prepared Who's Got the Power? For teachers who are participating
in an expanding garden project that GAP is coordinating, Ms. Jepsen wrote
Garden Magic in the same style as Six
Lessons with Delphi.
Women at Wilmot State Prison prepare
the ground for their community garden.
They will also care for over 6,000 plants,
donated by a Tucson nursery,
which will be planted in
neighborhood parks.
Park gardens will be the center of
educational programs for the city's
children and families.
|
 |
Fiesta Park Garden Project was designed to reflect the concept
of "Building a School in Your Community. " During the
summer of 2003, children from six to 12 years old initiated a
clean up project at the park. GAP helped them prepare a flower
and tree garden. The children have taken responsibility for the
garden which acts as a living school and classroom for them.
On the heels of the Fiesta Park Garden Project, Tucson Moms,
Tucson Urban Gardens and Desert View High School are consulting
with GAP regarding garden restoration and development projects
in various parts of the city.
Since Six Lessons with Delphi has
been so successful in a variety of educational settings, Patricia Jepsen
has prepared an online course How to Live Happily with All
Life. Created for web-based learning for elementary and middle
school children, the course elaborates on the principles in Six Lessons through exercises in environmental,
humane and global education. Currently, the course is under review
by teachers before being made available online.
December 6, 2003
PROVIDE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE OUR FREE UPDATES
E-mail address for Sanctuary School Updates:
|