The tea party, on Thursday, Jan. 21, was opened to include sixth-grade students this year as the school expanded to serve kindergarten through sixth grade and the girls requested it. The 40 students who attended read an American Girls book and then completed and presented a project like a report or drawing.
“This is a way the girls can showcase their talents,” said Silverstein. “Everybody gets to shine in their own way.”
Freedom to play to their strengths makes doing the projects fun, said Samantha Harris, a fifth-grader.
“I think it’s a good way to express yourself,” she said.
Although American Girl dolls can be expensive, the tea party is for everyone, said Clara Copeland, a retired teacher whose granddaughter attended.
“At an urban school like Snyder Park, not every girl has an authentic American Girl doll,” she said. “But every girl has a doll and can read the book and do a report. It’s a very affirming experience for the girls.”
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