Thinking School on the Quilt

Fun With the Kids

A few days before school was set to start, I took some school related props to the Women's Shelter to have some fun.

Dick, Jane and Sally

First, I tortured the poor kiddos by reading aloud from the old reader, "Dick, Jane and Sally".  

"Look! Look! See Spot Go!"

I tried to convince them, that the book that taught me to read, was fun.

They did not agree!

Pickles

I had a range of kids from 4 to 13 and they were wound up! I winked at the older kids to please play along with the puppet. I needed Pickles to help me calm these kiddos! Not only did the older kids play along, but they gave Pickles all sorts of advice about not being scared about starting school. One of the older kids suggested, "If somebody bullies you on the bus, tell the bus driver!"

Chalk Pictures

I wasn't sure if these kids would even know about chalkboards. Do they have them anymore? But they were eager to get their hands dusty and draw some pictures for me.

I played a playlist of school themed songs.  When Michael Jackson sang "ABC, 123", a few perked up like it sounded familiar. Not one child said. "That's Michael Jackson!"  I was surprised. Seems like yesterday all kids knew the King of Pop.

My energetic group calmed down a bit as they drew and listened and talked. I wished them all a happy first day of school.  I drove home, hoping school wouldn't be scary for them.  Some will be going to schools they aren't familiar with.

I stopped by today, a couple weeks later and the atmosphere is different. We've all been dealing with Hurricane Harvey and schools will be closed another week. Looks like my theme came a little too early.