BECOMING F AMILY If you could choose a word to describe yourself, what would it be? Think about what you value, what matters most to you. Are you that person now or striving to be more like that word? What scripture speaks to your word and your values? This was the assignment given by Eagle Ranch Language Arts teacher Ms. Ginger Duren-Witt. This unique creative writing project asked students to think about who they are, what they value, and what matters most to them. They were then asked to choose a word, a quote and a piece of scripture that they felt described them. After each student completed the assignment, their headshot was taken and framed. Ms. Duren-Witt took all the frames and created a photo wall in the classroom—a snapshot of the journey of our boys and girls. "Words have more power over people than most give credit. Proverbs 18:21 says, ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue.’ Although words have the ability to harm us, they also are capable of providing healing." Ms. Ginger Duren-Witt, Language Arts Teacher Eagle Ranch School "I created the photo wall in our classroom because I believe it creates a family environment and instills a sense of belonging for everyone,” said Ms. Duren-Witt. “I want each student to know that he or she is a well-loved member of our Eagle Ranch community. When the students first saw the photos on the wall, their smiles reminded me of when I went to my grandparents’ house as a child and saw my pictures displayed. I felt overwhelmingly loved, and my prayer is that our students feel the same way.” At Eagle Ranch, we want our boys and girls to feel like they are part of a bigger family. We promote family activities such as meals together, outings, games and outdoor fun. These relational activities contribute to the healing process and help the children as they work to return home to their own families.
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