Centerpieces Wow our Fiesta Crowd
Teacher book centerpiece created by Fiesta Planning Committee member Sue Clifford
One book tells the story of a boy who is afraid to go to school, until he meets just the right teacher. Another weaves a magical tale of forest creatures determined to save the environment.
These are just a couple examples of digital books that GLXi® teachers have created over the years as part of the Open Books, Open Minds training program. We’ve shared several of these books with you in the past – but what we haven’t yet shown you is the AMAZING centerpieces made by Fiesta Planning Committee member Sue Clifford as a way to honor this growing body of work!
"I wanted to honor these teachers and students with the centerpieces, which are representations of the actual digital books teachers created. I was thrilled about how they turned out – so colorful and bright,” Sue told us. “I am so proud of the commitment to literacy from the teachers/administrators, students and their families.”
Sue has chaired our Fiesta Decorations Committee since 2017, and she weaves the magic of our mission into every detail at our Fiesta events.
In the past, she has highlighted the Guatemalan culture through art that showcases Mayan culture through traditional masks and weavings.
"I wanted to honor these teachers and students with the centerpieces, which are representations of the actual digital books teachers created. I was thrilled about how they turned out – so colorful and bright.”
For our “Adventures In Learning” Fiesta, she created an immersive atmosphere for guests who had never visited Central America by highlighting the country’s volcanos and beautiful ancient ruins.
And for the last couple of Fiestas, guests have marveled over the teacher book centerpieces.
Not only are these centerpieces striking to look at, but they remind us why digital books are an important part of our program.
When Guatemalan teachers who are on the frontlines of teaching create these books, they are using their innate understanding of their students' needs and cultural context to bring a catalog of work to the classroom that will resonate deeply.
In these books, teachers weave captivating short stories, integrating OBOM vocabulary words. They utilize apps mastered during their training to craft visually engaging illustrations that bring these words to life.
The books also add a personal touch – each one features a short biography about the author, the teacher who poured their heart and soul into nurturing a love for literacy in their students.
Teacher book centerpiece featuring the work of GLXi teacher Cecilia Orozco
It's impossible not to feel immense pride – and to be reminded of our shared commitment to the transformative power of literacy – when viewing the centerpieces that Sue created.
“Sue is truly creative,” says Amy Inman, GLXi’s Fiesta Event Chair. “Her recent handmade book centerpieces perfectly illuminate the power of education and the beauty of cultural connection. We are blessed to have her on our team to share our GLXi story.”