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   Normally, he is a bit withdrawn.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!


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11 comments

  1. Dear Mrs. Parker,

    What a totally charming post! I could just picture your class... I used to refer to times like that as "Literacy Wonderland"! Only another teacher would know how very hard you've worked to bring your class to this point.
    I was also touched by your tenderness as you wrote about your little guy and the Easter basket hat. How blessed he is to be in a classroom where he feels secure enough to suggest a new idea with confidence!

    Linda

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  2. This warms my heart to read! I love how you took his idea and went with it! He'll remember that!
    Rambling About Reading

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  3. That was a truly inspring story! And I truly LOVE that hat! It was a wonderful idea!

    Karmen
    Karmens Kinders

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  4. I love your first sign. It is so true, they do have a special place in our hearts. The hat is precious. Such a cute idea.
    Tammy
    Primary Paradise

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  5. Cute hat!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I llove your quote too...so true!
    Sara
    www.firstgradefuntastic.blogspot.com

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  6. I LOVED this post! Thank you for the wonderful idea of the hat, and how it came to be. I loved the inspirational stories, too!
    Heidi

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  7. Great post, thanks for sharing! :)

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  8. I really enjoyed reading this post. Kids have the greatest ideas and I love how you immediately made his idea a class project. What a great reminder to take the time to "kid watch" especially at this time of the year ~ the individual growth and progress is amazing!
    Happy Spring!
    Michelle
    FirstGradeBest

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    Replies
    1. So very true. Something magical does happen this time of year.

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  9. You have inspired me to seize the moment!

    Thanks!
    The Math Maniac

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  10. We created these and wore them to lunch today! Thank you for the quick, easy and adorable idea!! <3

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