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Fields of Daffodils

Students will create symbols of hope and healing as they craft 3-D daffodils.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper
  • Paper
  • Paper Plate(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    The daffodil is a symbol of hope, new beginnings, the arrival of spring, and the promise of positive change. Have a discussion about why they think these flowers have become symbolic. For instance, they are among the first to bloom in early spring signaling the end of cold, dark days, and their vibrant yellow color evoke feelings of warmth and optimism. Talk about groups that embrace this symbol. For example, The American Cancer Society uses daffodils as a symbol of hope. Its annual "Daffodil Days" campaign raises money for cancer research. The Daffodil Project is a New York City nonprofit formed after the tragic events of 9/11 that has been giving away daffodil bulbs to residents and groups to be planted in public spaces. Since 2002 over 7 million bulbs have been planted.

  • Step 2

    Have students begin crafting their daffodil by painting a small paper plate yellow or gold. Next ask them to cut two strips out of heavy paper or a recycled file foler. They can paint one strip green for the stem and the other one yellow or gold. When the paper plate is dry have them trim around the paper plate to give it a wavy or scalloped look.

  • Step 3

    When the yellow strip is dry have them glue the ends together to make a loop and then cut four small slits around the edges on one side of the loop. Fold the edges out to make four tabs, then glue the tabs to the painted plate to make a blooming daffodil. Attach the bloom to the stem.

  • Step 4

    Display the students' flowers in a close arrangement to create a field of daffodils. Have students discuss the importance of helping and bringing hope to individuals or a community.

Standards

SEL: Social Awareness: Empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts.

SEL: Social Awareness: Develop compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings.

SS: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: Examine various institutions that affect one's life and influence people's thinking and how they advocate for ideas they believe in.

Adaptations

The Daffodil Project, a nonprofit associated with Holocaust education and awareness, aspires to build a worldwide Living Holocaust Memorial by planting 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust and in support of children in humanitarian crises around the world today. Have students learn about why the daffodil was chosen as its symbol.

Encourage students to look for community areas where planting would be welcomed. Have them talk to decision-makers for the space and ask if they could plant daffodils or other flowers to brighten the area.