What a pleasure it was to build a nest with all the kids at Atkinson Elementary. I spent 2 days at the school and had 30 minutes with each class room, a total of 15 classes and about 375 children, K-5.

During that time period we talked about nests, what they are used for, and the symbolism that they hold. The themes that we talked about the most were Home, Safety, and Protection of the Young.

From there, the kids were split into 2 groups. One group came with me to nest build. And, the other group used the themes we had talked about to write a wish for themselves, their community, and their earth onto a piece of fabric that got tied to one of the really long thick vines.

All the kids had a chance to participate in both activities. During their time spent Nest building, we gathered materials that had already be collected from the local area to weave into a circular Nest. Every kid at the school got to put their hands on the natural materials and be a part of making art and making a symbol of Home, Safety, and Protection.

The final classroom got the lucky job of decorating the nest with flowers and hanging all the wishes in the trees surrounding it.

And, at the end of the day, the kids were able to take turns getting in and showing their families at pick up time. The nest will stay on the school grounds in the learning garden and used in the outdoor education curriculum.

Thank you Atkinson Elementary! I hope your nest continues to inspire you, teach you, and help you grow!!!

Love, Debbie

Testimonial

“Participating in the Nest Project with Debbie was fantastic! She made the project fun, accessible, and meaningful for students of all ages. The students love their Nest so much – they are so excited to visit it in the garden and share their hard work with family and friends. I am especially impressed by the care and ownership the students have taken over the Nest. They are proud of their work and their wishes and have made a commitment to protect them, just as the Nest offers protection in turn.
Thank you Debbie!” — Melia Chase, Art Coordinator-Portland Public Schools

**photos by Debbie Baxter and Kathleen Ayers