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Lou Hull, Appleton
4/20/2009 1:58:49 PM
Lou Hull was so moved by a Christmas gift that she brought it to her school and shared it with students, colleagues, and eventually, the Appleton community.
The gift is Paul Fleischman’s book “Seedfolks.” The author illustrates how positive action brings about change in a community and he specifically looks at diversity and reconnecting to nature, Hull says.
“It moved me so much that I wanted to get the message out to the greatest number of people,” says Hull, a paraprofessional at the Appleton Area School District’s Foster Elementary School and Valley New School.
Hull has done just that and has spurred a series of fortunate events.
On May 10 there will be private events at the Community Garden Partnership, the public library and the group Toward Community: Unity in Diversity.
“I think these are perfect family activities to do on Mother’s Day,” says Hull.
Hull received a grant to purchase 500 books, some of which already have been distributed to students and the community.
On May 11, Renaissance Schools for the Arts students at Appleton West High School will perform a play that is based on the book, and Fleischman will be on hand to see the 7:30 p.m. premier. The play is open to the public at no cost, Hull says.
“Students started writing to the author after they read the book,” Hull says. “He was so impressed that he has decided to come and visit us.”
She says staff embraced the book and introduced it into the curriculum.
Hull says a colleague is creating a quilt to commemorate the book’s messages. There have been discussions with district employees as well as grade-level discussions about the book.
“The music teacher at my elementary school wrote the coolest song about the book and she’s going to teach it to all of the students,” Hull says, adding “The art teacher is also using the book in her classes and has the most wonderful ideas for the kids to create art projects.
“North High School is taking off on the food aspect and the importance of growing our own food and there will also be a summer school class focusing on the book,” Hull says.
The setting for Fleischman’s book begins in April, when Kim, a 9-year-old Vietnamese girl who recently moved to Cleveland, plants three lima bean seeds. Kim, whose father died before her family came to America, lives in a low-income area where neighbors don’t talk to each other.
Eventually, 12 more characters are introduced and although it seems like they are simply working on planting and maintaining a garden, they end up doing so much more.
The lessons are about the power of a smile and conversation, problem solving, overcoming fear and feeling safe, learning about and overcoming disabilities, concern for others, setting aside prejudices, showing respect, and instilling pride, Hull says.
“There is so much more,” she says. “It’s a heart-warming story about how making connections with people is important.”
The local Boys and Girls Club and Lawrence University students and staff have also embraced the book, according to Hull.
She described the impact the book has had on the Appleton community as a “pay it forward.”
“I’m not done yet,” Hull says. “It keeps mushrooming and new things are happening almost daily.”
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