The universal theme of color provides a variety of opportunities for study and exploration. In the process of preparing for a production
of Hailstones and Halibut Bones, teachers may choose activities in art, creative writing, science, and dance or physical education.
Hailstones and Halibut Bones, Integrated Curriculum
Listen to What Is White?:
“Laurie MacGregor’s composition is a testament to the power and value of integrated curriculum and mainstreamed classrooms. It is unusual to find a curriculum that can be all things to all children, particularly 480 elementary school students. Hailstones and Halibut Bones is that rare case. For the musically talented child, there is the exploration of the new and exciting world of composing, an aspect of music that is rarely associated with 5- to 11-year-olds. For the visual artist, there is a way to interpret and express words and phrases with fabric, paint, sculpture, and color. For the enthusiastic but somewhat reticent child, there are challenging but joyful songs to sing, to listen to, or to respond with movement. For the child with a scientific curiosity, there is the world of spectrums and prisms to discover. For the writer, there is the inspiration for the creation of new color poems filled with fresh ideas and images. And for that special child who struggles daily with making connections, there is a way to feel and understand something real in the world that for these children is often so difficult to express.”
Cathy Richardson, 2nd grade teacher
Additional color poems by New Hampshire kids
Fabric murals created by New Hampshire kids, under the guidance of Ellen Haun, and Vermont kids, under the guidance of Nancy Cressman
T-shirt design by Ellen Haun
What Is Blue? choreography by Kearsarge Arts Theatre Company
Mobile created by New Hampshire kids, under the guidance of Ellen Haun
Monochromatic paintings by Iowa kids
Slideshow photos by Barbara Handelman, Donna Butler, Betsy James, Steve Low, Sally Austin, and Robin Osborne
HAILSTONES AND HALIBUT BONES and What Is White? by Mary O’Neill, copyright © 1961 by Mary Le Duc O’Neill.
Used by permission of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
Music copyright © 1997 by Laurie MacGregor
What Is White? performed by William Ghezzi, guitar, and the Upper Valley Music Center Youth Chorus; Becky Luce, Director