Channahon Students Create a Masterpiece

For 10 weeks, first- and second-graders at Families of Faith Christian Academy in Channahon painted.

The assignment was to help the drama team put on a play in May by creating an art gallery. When the play was postponed, first- and second-graders kept right on painting.

“Each student learned how to hold the brush correctly, use many different strokes, how to match colors and helped mix the paint,” said Families of Faith Christian Academy first- and second-grade teacher Chris McBride.

“As each piece came to life, the children’s faces lit up with excitement.”
Then, last Friday (May 31), McBride said the two classes presented their masterpiece to the entire school and the administration. She described the scene as that of like Christmas morning—but in reverse.

“They were giving the present,” McBride said.

She said the highlight came when second-grader Caiden Hinkle said, “Without further adieu, we present to you, ‘A Starry Night’ by Vincent Van Gogh as seen through the eyes of the first- and second-grade class of 2013.”

At that point, McBride said students unveiled the canvas. She said pastor Clark Llewellyn and school administrator Karen Blan stood speechless.

“Where I sat, I heard gasps of amazement and junior high and high school students exclaiming, ‘Whoa! They painted that?’ and, ‘Wow! That’s amazing.’ All over the auditorium, students, teachers and parents were astounded.”

McBride said her students learned a lesson in teamwork while also having fun in classroom setting.

“In fact, it was amazing,” she said. “Amazing that each child had contributed a small portion that all together made something so beautiful. I am so thankful for my students and each of their unique talents.

“I am thankful for our school, which made it possible for the students to learn in such a unique way.”