This was my grandson's kindergarten teacher's first year teaching at the school my grandson attends. Upon entering her classroom, you will find many wonderful visuals and aides that promote learning of course. The theme throughout her room is that of the Panda bear and the environment in which it lives--done in a happy child-like style. One day, after volunteering to work along side her in her classroom, I inquired about her classroom theme because it was so delightful. She told me that previously she had a cowboy theme at the school she had taught at the year prior but came across this one shortly after and liked the Panda theme better because they had adopted a daughter from China, which is also where Pandas are found exclusively. Because the Panda bear has such special meaning to her, I thought it would be nice to give her a Panda bear to add to her classroom as a gift. After checking with my daughter and grandson, I found just the right Panda bear to make her--one that is a little unique and would also identify as being from our family. This bear is actually a quilted bolster pillow with what is called a broken dish block design on its body (for added interest) but, of course, his paws, ears, eyes and nose have the more traditional Panda (black and white) coloring. The design is from Stash Happy Patchwork by Cynthia Shaffer.
Here he is at different angles:
Tyler, my grandson, will be giving this to her tomorrow--the last day of school. I hope she and her new class will enjoy him next school year. I can just visualize him sitting on top of one of her bookshelves watching over her class. BUT should she decide to change her theme, she'll always have it to take home to keep and/or give to her daughter.
Okay, back to my to do list.
Have a great week!
Denise
YOU, my dear, are a Grandma for the ages!!! I don't know of too many other Grandmothers who would undertake such a task to create such a sweet and thoughtful gift for the person whose task it was to educate her grandchild. Education is such an important and often thankless job, and I am sure this teacher will FOREVER remember your handmade gift that took not only thought and skill, but lots of care and consideration.
ReplyDeleteYou're makin' the rest of us look really bad, girl! :-)
I have so much respect for teachers. We as parents often find it challenging just to guide and teach our own, so for someone to take on this roll with 10+ kids, especially the very, very young, and do it with seemingly little effort, which I know is not the case. We all know too well they are disciplinarians, nurturers, as well as educators, so I was excited about extending a gift of appreciation thru Tyler on behalf of our family.
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