1. A CRYSTAL OF A SNOWFLAKE

2. A single white snowflake Dances in the crisp night air Each unique, an extra crystal here- another space there.

3. All the snowflakes trickle from heavens hand, Covering the sky, as they expand. Every one an individual, an irreplaceable design, All of them independent, but wishing they were mine

4. Soon to be joined By countless more Twirling and swirling as if to explore.

5. Its individual placement In the snow-covered floor.

6. A unanimous blanket is formed. As each has found its placement Atop a pinecone, amongst a thorn bush.

8. The rays scatter by a twist of a branch, A turn of a tree trunk. Yet some are caught directly by the awaiting crystal.

10. The snowflake and the sun, Unanimous in a sparkling wonderland of snow.

11. ANALYSIS The snowflake symbolizes the student while the sun is a symbol of the teacher. The snowflake, just like the student, is uniquely different from any other snowflake. The blanket of snow then symbolizes a collaborative learning environment, yet where each “ snowflake ” still holds on to its individuality. The sun (the teacher) then has to recognize each snowflake ’ s unique traits (multiple intelligences) and help each student by how much they require (scaffolding), just like sun, sharing less of her rays while dispensing more sunlight there. In the end, however, the teacher and the student should create a learning environment where not only the student is the learner and the teacher the dispenser of information, but an environment where both the teacher and the student are joined in a collaborative learning experience.

12. Gina Lavoie 000245695 09-19-10