The Lighthouse Diary Entry #88: Persistence and Designing a Flap Book

This year, I had the opportunity to supervise two Grade 10 students and journey with them in the accomplishment of their Personal Project. A few weeks ago, they presented their work, and for the first time, I saw the product of their blood, sweat, and tears. Also, the joy on their faces and the bright spark of confidence in their eyes were unmistakable.

Who would have thought they were both going through uncertainty and stress last November? The struggle to finish a 15-page report last March weighed them down, too. I kept telling them to trust the process and persevere.

Mistakes happened, of course. Some plans went awry. But my supervisees pushed on. Showing up every time was an entirely new experience. More than the mark, there is character to strengthen and nurture. This is how we learn.

I’m sharing this photo of a flap book, which my student fought for as a Personal Project. Because, in our first meeting, I told her that form follows function, further explaining that flap books as a form serve a purpose in relaying a message and facilitating communication. I recommended books on design right after.

And she persisted. Her flap book on matcha, its origins, and the process of making tea was well made! Yes, she got good marks, too!

Ah! The things I learn from my students are among the best rewards I get as a teacher.