Kindergarten classes at Marbletown Elementary School have embarked on a special project. Inspired by the efforts of wildlife photographer Shawn Miller, who noticed hermit crabs inhabiting pieces of trash along the beaches of Okinawa, Japan, the students are painting shells to support Miller’s efforts to provide the creatures with new homes. A Marbletown Elementary School student paints a shell for hermit crabs in Japan.
(Photo Provided by Ulster BOCES) As Miller captured the serene beauty of Okinawa’s beaches, he couldn’t help but notice hermit crabs mistaking litter for suitable abodes. These industrious creatures were seen squeezing into discarded soda bottles, dish detergent caps, and other debris. He now paints shells, places them on the beaches, and captures videos of the crabs moving into their new shelters.
Kindergarten teacher Alice Guillon was intrigued by Miller’s project and reached out to the artist to get involved. Having her students participate in this initiative is not only in keeping with the spirit of Earth Day, but is also in alignment with one of their English Language Arts lessons, which focuses on the theme of “Taking Care of the Earth.” The students enthusiastically took up their paint brushes to transform ordinary shells into vibrant works of art.
Guillon is extremely proud of the students’ dedication to the project. “To say the kids were excited would be an understatement,” she said in a press release. “They enjoyed the various rea.