On Tuesday at Addie’s school they celebrated the Fourth of July. The day before, the teacher told me that they’d be doing some crafts, decorating cookies, etc. I smiled and nodded and thought to myself, “So you mean, you’ll be doing that while the kids do their best to defeat your efforts.”
Addie sometimes comes home with artwork, which is usually of the “five scribbles/daubs of paint on a piece of paper” variety. Obviously it’s great that she can do that, but it’s nothing spectacular. And when we get out the craft box at home she usually draws for about 45 seconds, then rips up paper and peels stickers off and puts them anywhere but on a piece of paper. The point is, I was skeptical.
But then the teacher sent pictures.
She’s just… sitting there… making something. She brought this flag home and it’s legitimate. Those red strips are already glued on in this picture. And she apparently proceeded to put about five more stars on. I just can’t believe it. But wait, it gets even more shocking.
She apparently dipped a strawberry in frosting and sprinkles and then willingly placed it on this tray and waited to eat it until later. What?!? At home if strawberries are anywhere within her line of sight she has to eat them RIGHT NOW. I don’t think she’s ever even had frosting and sprinkles, but I imagine she gets the idea. I just… Wow.
Suddenly I feel like my daughter is capable of way more than I give her credit for. Could we be doing crafts and baking together?? Is she ready for algebra and linear equations??? OK, maybe I should stick to simple crafts and helping me stir the batter. But still. I feel like my eyes have been opened to a whole new world.
Now I just have to teach her to delay the strawberry gratification. Or maybe what I really need to teach her is that Mama won’t give her the strawberries at the first second that she asks for them. Hmmmmmm…
I bet it has something to do with teacher confidence. My babysitter (mother of two and sitter to many) can get my daughter to happily paint *on the paper* for up to 10 minutes at a time. Neither my mother or I can achieve anything other than paint all over the counter and then boredom in 2 minutes flat with the same child. I wish I could figure out the secret!
Mob mentality.
I know exactly how you feel. Vi stood up one day after eating, walked to the garbage, scraped her ranch dressing off, and proceeded to toss her plate into the sink. I was so shocked, I couldn’t even praise her.
However, I have to say, Addie’s flag is quite exceptional.
What a great idea — strawberries dipped in frosting…Obviously I’ve no baking imagination. All I think is melted chocolate! Will have to test this w/Cait. Every day, something new. And you’re right on Sara, that next lesson really is not having to drop everything the moment Adie asks. It’s a tough lesson, but easier to teach at 2 vs. 12 so keep at it.