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Learning About the Winter Solstice Through Story and Nature

Our library hosted learning experiences focused on the winter solstice, a special time of year that marks the shortest day and longest night. Inspired by the book Winter’s Gifts: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature by Kaitlin Curtice, students explored what the solstice means, why it happens, and how people around the world recognize this important seasonal change.
As shared in the book:
“Sometimes we forget that we are all friends with Earth and every living creature. The winter teaches us to rest, to remember, and to be thankful. Your thankfulness is your gift to Mother Earth.”
To deepen their understanding, students created natural ice sun catchers using thoughtful designs and materials inspired by nature. Once completed, the sun catchers were hung in our school yard and along the park pathway, where they captured the soft, beautiful light of the winter sun.
This hands‑on activity blended science, creativity, and seasonal awareness, encouraging students to appreciate the natural world even during the colder months. The finished sun catchers added warmth and brightness to our outdoor spaces and served as a reminder that brighter days are ahead. In keeping with our respect for nature, all natural materials will be returned to the earth upon the arrival of spring.

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