Sunday, March 27, 2011

Making Paper Cranes

The Ladybug and I started a little project the other day. We decided to make some paper cranes, in honor of the people of Japan. The Ladybug is so diligent in her work and soon became an expert at pressing each and every fold. I am amazed at her creation and concentration, as well as her enthusiasm for the activity.


The idea of making the paper cranes came from a book called Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. It is based on a true story of an inspiring young girl. This description comes from the back of the book:

"Hiroshima-born Sadako is lively and athletic - the start of her school's running team. And then the dizzy spells start. Soon gravely ill with leukemia, an aftereffect of the atom bomb that fell on her city when she was only an infant, Sadako approaches her illness as she did her running - with irrepressible spirit. Recalling a Japanese legend, Sadako sets to work folding paper cranes. For the legend holds that if a sick person folds one thousand cranes, the gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again. Based on a true story, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes celebrates the courage that made one young woman a heroine in Japan."

I started this little project at school with my students, in honor of all the people of Japan. With each crane that we fold and create, we are sending our love and prayers for all of the suffering and loss they have endured. Each crane also comes with many wishes for a new tomorrow.








~~Aloha!