Autumn, Art, and Community Building
This fall, several classes have done activities around autumnal themes, art, and building community in the classroom. Read more below about one class’ exploration of art and wellness, and another’s first experiences making a jack-o’-lantern.
Success Story: Building Community Through Art and Language
Learners’ coffee art.
At the end of my Health and Wellness for the Mind module in August, students were tasked to present a personal strategy they use to cope with stress. One student shared her passion for art and painting, which she had taught in Ukraine. Her presentation was engaging and sparked genuine interest among her classmates, especially since she uses something as simple as coffee.
Learners working on their coffee art.
Inspired by her story, the class asked if she could teach them how to paint using her coffee technique. She graciously agreed, and within a few days, led a hands-on 30-minute coffee painting session. Students explored how different brews (light and dark) could be used to create beautiful artwork, all while discussing affordable ways to express creativity without traditional materials, and most importantly, how to manage stress with each brushstroke. She asked learners to take deep breaths and smell the coffee as they worked on their paintings.
This experience blossomed into something truly special. The student, who previously taught master classes in Ukraine, proposed offering a virtual painting class via Zoom. I was thrilled to support her initiative. She now hosts FREE weekly sessions every Friday at 5:30 PM, with around 31 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds joining through a WhatsApp group.
What’s even more impressive is that she sends out a list of 10–15 vocabulary words ahead of each session, helping participants build their English skills while engaging in a relaxing and creative activity. This has grown into a vibrant community of practice where art, language, and wellness come together beautifully.
It’s a wonderful example of how a small classroom moment can evolve into something meaningful and far-reaching.
Written by CLB 5-6 Instructor, Jessy Singh.
CLB 3—4 Jack-o’-lantern activity
Learners in the CLB 3-4 mom’s class made a jack-o’-lantern (many for the first time). It was a fun creative activity they could do together.
Learners with their jack-o-lantern.
“It was my first time to make Jack O lantern. It is a carved pumpkin. It is a popular decoration for Halloween. I cut out the face for Jack O Lantern, and we emptied the seeds. It was so fun!” - Shaista
“I love how a simple pumpkin turn into something magical and funny. First, we drew a circle and cut it out. Then, we scooped out all the seeds inside the pumpkin. After that, we drew a face on the pumpkin and cut out the eyers, nose, and mouth. We put an LED light inside the pumpkin.” - Zohra
Minor edits to quotes made by CLB 3-4 Instructor, Yuki Yamazaki