The scene she painted depicted a smiling Emily reading books with friends among growing things, lush green vines and copious flowers. Emily's Corner was a decidedly special place, one that had a qualitatively different feel about it than other parts of the school where children and teachers gather. It inspired thoughts and questions beyond the everyday. I myself spent time there between classes, sometimes to read or just to think. I suspect not many.
Schools provide spaces for other childhood needs deemed worthy of nurturing.
Million-dollar gymnasiums and athletic fields reflect our commitment to healthy and strong bodies. Music classes, fine-arts theaters, and libraries pronounce our interest in developing the aesthetic and intellectual sides of our children. Creating a space for students will send a message to them that, in addition to a healthy mind and body, schools find it important to nurture the soul. Not that I have in mind a place where students go to pray or worship. I am not making a case for religion in public schools, nor for requiring students to visit the spaces I envision.