That's small potatoes right now though. I am in the midst of a new crisis. I knew I would struggle with this particular parenting issue. I just thought I had a few more years before I had to learn this lesson. The following is the assignment that was sent home for Miss Herself to work on this weekend:
Save the Turkey!
Dear Families,
We are asking all of our students to take the attached undressed turkey and give him a disguise so he is saved from being the main course at Thanksgiving dinner. You may take on a theme or just have fun dressing the turkey any way that you wish. In the past, some have been dressed like football players, dancers, etc... Cut out the turkey and glue him on the colored construction paper. Then use items around your house or yard to disguise him. Seeds, beans, leaves, fabric, or buttons are some possibilities. This can be a family event with moms and dads helping their (second) grader!
This is also a creative writing assignment. Students must then write 4 sentences about their turkey explaining the story behind his/her disguise. Use the attached checklist as a guide. Remember - have some fun and be creative with this!I can't just do this for her???.... even if it is fun and the directions say I can help.
Why can't I do the Turkey assignment for my 2nd grader all by myself?
Does the teacher not know that I am a creative control freak?
Does she understand how hard it is for me not to take my daughter's story and run with it?
Or even worse, we are supposed to create a disguise... together...
OMG, I think the teacher is trying to kill me.
Yes, I know the directions say it can be a family event, but we all know that means that parents are allowed to guide but are supposed to take a support role, taking orders from the little dictator about what is and isn't allowed in the disguise. Letting them write and learn about being creative in the writing process. Offering ideas and patiently allowing them to be shot down by an attitude that rivals any teenage girl's best 'tude. There should have been a disclaimer that this was really an activity in perseverance and patience for all parents with a shred of creative desire.
So I made Miss Herself a deal, I would write a blog post about her assignment and post her turkey and story for all to read. I can take credit for the helmet and skates (I am supposed to finish them because she had to go to bed). Other than those two, it is all her work--ideas and writing 100% her own. I am going to include her "sloppy copy" because it is almost as entertaining as the real deal.
(and sitting here with her while we both wrote and created really was a lot of fun! I think we might have to do this more often.
Want to make Miss Herself's week? Create your own turkey with a disguise and story then send it to us! We will share what we collect with her class and here!!!
Twitter: @guppy_mom or via email: nicole c sturgeon at gmail dot com
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| This is the turkey that needs to be saved! |
