Sandra Makielski, Teacher Extraordinary
Do you remember learning about the Silk Road in seventh grade? If so, you may recall reading some text in class, looking at a few maps of the area and perhaps, a movie where people spoke in foreign languages. From this you may remember that the Silk Road was a network of Eurasian trade routes that played a central role in interactions between the East and West. Today, North Kingstown students have the opportunity to experience the area’s culture, language, foods and how they live.
Shortly after Sandra Makielski began teaching at Davisville Middle School in North Kingstown, she began looking for ways to involve her seventh grade students in active, “hands on” programs that call upon all their senses. The program is presented so that each seventh grader has opportunity to explore types of art from China to Turkey and the Byzantine Countries. Students learn about different customs and come to appreciate the rich varieties of life in various countries.
Over the years Ms. Makielski has worked with artists who have knowledge about the Silk Road. The artists introduce students to the language, arts and customs of specific areas by sharing the visual arts, music, crafts, languages and life styles of children across the world from them.
In addition to these experiences in the Silk Road project, students’ desire to share with others has become apparent. At one class discussion students decided to sell the “art and artifacts” they had learned to create. This is not your typical sale however. Students price their creation at what seems a fair price…but not in dollars, silver drachm or gold solidus. Instead, payment is can goods. Then, at the end of the day’s event, the cans are delivered to North Kingstown’s Food Bank. The market event is also paired with shadow puppet shows from Asia and Africa that students produce and perform for their community audiences.
Sandra Makielski has created an encompassing curriculum that helps students learn and care about the lifestyles and needs of others—even in far-away parts of the world. The program has also helped hundreds of adolescents develop self-esteem, confidence, sharing and concern for others.
The bazaar occurs every year in mid-June. Sixth grade students attend during the school day and parents and guests are invited at 1 PM. Bring your canned goods and join this remarkable experience along with the enthusiasm and creativity of Davisville 7th Graders. The bazar will be held on June 13, 2024.
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Participating Artists and Art Experts in the 2024 Silk Road Program:
- Nahoko Collis, Japanese Language Professor, University of Rhode Island Jiyoung Chung, Korean Paper Artist
- Jayshree Rajamani, Traditional Indian Dancer
- Charles Kalajian, Armenian Percussionist
- Issa Coulibaly, Master Drummer from Mali
- Beth Berry, GEAR Productions, Theater Artist
- Annemarie Lambert, Davisville Middle School Art Instructor
This program is funded in part by the North Kingstown Arts Council & the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.