the ampersand

"The splitting mountain" by Maddy

Study of the Prophet, Elijah, at Lake and Park


The week before we went on spring vacation was the occasion for us to spend our afternoons engaged in the story of the biblical prophet, Elijah.  It is Elijah for whom a special cup of wine is poured and placed on the ceremonial table at Passover.  Elijah is referred to throughout the New Testament and figures in parts of the Easter liturgy.  As a school, we often take the time to learn of Greek myths. Their cultural significance is with us in a myriad ways.   So are references to biblical events and characters; as part of our shared heritage, children benefit from being exposed to these stories, as well.  The seasonal timing seemed especially apt for learning about Elijah.

"This is Elijah--the mountain is broken apart."  By George

The story was first told to the children as a story. with time for each to draw events from the narrative that struck each one particularly.  Another day, we acted out the story informally, in story theater, with actors and roles fluid.   We learned about the Hebrew letters that form the name of Elijah, and of what his name means.  This information was presented to us by Pastor Lee Seese, in whose congregation's building the school is a guest.  He listened to the children take turns as they recounted the story so far, and then he added some wonderful humorous details.     The following day, a group of children who volunteered to participate in a play about Elijah came forward, decided on the story line, and then practiced and performed for the school audience that afternoon.  Viewing with us was Lee, as well as Joan Dennehy, the minister of the Findlay Street Christian Church, a Disciples of Christ denomination, which is also housed in the building with us.   By her very example as a person, she was able to show the children that women, too, may now take on clerical leadership positions.

By Chloe

On the final day of the school week the children responded to this narrative that was read from a storyteller's version of the story:

There came a fierce wind that tore the mountains apart, but God was not in the wind.  After the wind, an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake a fire, but God was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle quiet voice.
      When Elijah heard this, he covered his head with his mantle and went out.  


The pieces of art that illustrate this article were made in response to the above quote and were done in mixed media--watercolor, pastel, and crayon.  Do scan through the photos for shots of the dramatic presentation, as well as depictions of children absorbed in reading various accounts of the prophet's tale.