As the JEC third graders read “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” the children spent time analyzing the text and understanding the lifestyle and era depicted in the book. As a culminating activity, the children used design thinking to bring the novel to life! The children got to work, independently or with partners, and considered the information from the book and assorted materials such as pipe cleaners, shoeboxes, cotton balls and construction paper. Using these raw materials, along with their incredible creativity and problem-solving skills, the children created dioramas featuring details such as cow ponds, broken roofs, wagons, hearths and more. The children were proud to share their work and accompanying writing with the visitors that came to tour their gallery!