As part of Start with Hello week during the end of September at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School, fifth graders learned about Peace Day by turning the lesson into a STEM and social emotional activity. The classes began by reading “Wangari’s Tree of Peace” by Jeanette Winter. Students were introduced to Wangari Maathai and all she has done for her village. Starting with the planting of one “peace” tree, Wangari created the Green Belt Movement in Africa. The students talked about the symbolism of the tree in literature. They were then challenged to work with a partner to create their own peace tree out of 15 pipe cleaners. Students were asked to plan, question their plan, create their plan and reflect on it.