Easter Basket Hat

So, it happened this week.  I looked around and kid watched. What I saw and heard reminded me why I love teaching.

In one corner of my room, I saw two boys looking at an animal magazine.  They were deep in conversation about tigers.  The amazing part was one of the boys at the beginning of the year barely spoke a word of English.  Now, he was leading the conversation.

In another area, I saw a group of girls chatting and giggling while writing.  They were deep in conversation about their work.  Others were busy at Word Work or reading along at the listening center.

I was sitting with a group of students while they completed a spring freebie.  Among the students was a little boy who has had a hard time fitting into our classroom.   Normally, he is a bit withdrawn.  But, not on this day.  He was chatty and I was delighted to see him in a different light.  Then, it happened.  He asked if we could make an Easter basket hat.  Not wanting him to feel as if his thoughts did not matter, I quickly went into action.

Here is what we came up with.  All you need is a sentence strip, construction paper and your imagination.

When I told the class about this little boy's idea.  They applauded and he smiled from ear to ear.  On Friday, when we left for spring break, we all were wearing our hats.  It wouldn't have happened if not for this child.  It helped to reaffirm that listening and letting kids have time to be kids does matter.    Sometimes the best things do come from the unexpected.

Happy Spring!