On May 14, 2025, students at Shelyn Elementary School in Rowland Heights, California, experienced a unique lesson in mindfulness and creativity. Guided by volunteers and floral art instructors, children learned the art of flower arranging—an activity that became a gateway to self-expression, emotional growth, and cultural appreciation.

Hands-On Learning and Emotional Growth

The flower arranging classes, designed by a team of volunteers, were part of the school's Parent Appreciation Month activities. Each student received a set of flowers—roses, yellow chrysanthemums, mountain asters, and baby's breath—and, with careful instruction, learned to trim, arrange, and compose their own floral creations.

The lesson began with a mindfulness exercise, encouraging students to close their eyes, breathe deeply, and find calm. This set the tone for the class; helping children focus and appreciate the beauty around them. Teacher Ching-Chuan Shih (施靜娟) led third graders through the process, emphasizing the message from Jing Si Aphorisms: "With determination, nothing is difficult." The classroom filled with the sound of children repeating the phrase in Chinese, their voices full of energy and hope.

One boy, beaming with pride, shared, "I want to give my flower arrangement to my mom!"—a simple gesture that reflected the lesson's deeper message of gratitude and love.

Connecting Culture and Character

The roots of this program trace back to a strong partnership between Shelyn Elementary and the local community. Since 2021, the school has welcomed a variety of cultural and environmental education activities, including tea ceremony classes and visits to the Tzu Chi Walnut Education Park’s Life Science Farm. Principal Sarah Opatkiewicz has been a strong advocate for multicultural education, recognizing its value in broadening students’ perspectives.

Chinese language teacher Chung Kang Chou (鄒仲綱), Tzu Ching youth alumni, played a key role in bringing the floral art class to the school. He and the education team designed lessons that were accessible and meaningful for children, blending hands-on practice with lessons in gratitude, perseverance, and emotional regulation.

Learning to Overcome Challenges

The second class, led by volunteer Sharon Chu (朱心如), introduced the theme "April showers bring May flowers," using the metaphor of blooming after adversity to encourage students to grow through challenges. Children were invited to reflect on recent difficulties and how they overcame them—whether struggling with math problems or English assignments, many shared that taking a deep breath or asking for help made a difference.

These real-life stories reinforced the lesson’s core message: with determination, challenges can be overcome. The floral art class became more than an art lesson; it was a space for students to develop resilience and positive thinking.

A Bridge Between Languages and Cultures

Teacher Chung Kang Chou expressed his hope that the lessons would help students understand that difficulties are not insurmountable. "Through flower arranging, we hope children learn that challenges can be overcome with determination," he said. He also noted the importance of integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum, helping students manage their feelings and develop self-confidence.

Many students at Shelyn Elementary come from non-Chinese-speaking backgrounds, yet their enthusiasm for cultural activities is strong. The floral art class, held near Mother’s Day, gave them a meaningful way to express gratitude and connect with both language and tradition.

Planting Seeds for the Future

For many volunteers, the experience was deeply moving. Volunteer Kathy Yang (楊淑蘭) shared, "The children’s enthusiasm left a strong impression on me. Flower arranging is not just about making a bouquet for family—it’s about understanding the meaning behind each flower and appreciating both beauty and depth."

Second-grade teacher Tammy Honda observed that the class gave students a chance to reflect on gratitude and creativity in a calm environment. "It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to think about how to face challenges and express thanks, while also showing their creativity through floral art," she said.

As the day ended, the scent of flowers lingered in the classroom, and the message "With determination, nothing is difficult" took root in each child’s heart. The hope is that, as these students grow, the lessons of gratitude, perseverance, and creativity will continue to blossom in their lives.

Written by Hungli Tsai (蔡紅黎)

Source: 靜思花道潤童心 仙林學子悟美善