my little Spaniard, 
and my little Ethiopian.
I learned all kinds of interesting facts about the countries that my children have been studying in this unit. Did you know there are 80+ languages spoken in Ethiopia, that 1:10 Spaniards work in the tourism industry, or that Swedish women get up to 18 months maternity leave with 80% pay?It was a fun day and my children took great pride in showing off the things they made. The lesson that will stick with me, however, has nothing to do with their actual studies. It has to do with how to let go of perfectionism and pride.
The boys' costume requirements were very straightforward. R's teacher had red sashes, so boys needed only to wear white shirts and black slacks. P's class made t-shirts, so he merely needed khakis, a knit cap and a long sleeve t-shirt. K, on the other hand, was given free reign in her costuming. She is crafty, creative and loves glitz. To her delight and my dread, we had a project on our hands.
I spent almost an hour in a local fabric store last Wednesday surveying all my options. As a non-sewing, not-so-crafty mama, I was trying to balance her excitement with my limited skills. I decided to opt for a t-shirt from the dollar store, jewelry glue and beads.
I had some ideas based on pictures I had found on the Internet...but K had a clear vision of how she wanted her tunic to look. So, I exhaled and let her guide me as I applied the glue. (I did not let her actually control the glue...I have my limits!) She had her heart set on a star in the center and the pattern on the bottom, so I released my 'plans' and let her design it. She sprinkled on the beads and the result was not half bad.
K has been talking about it for a solid week. She told her teacher and at least two other Moms that "My Mommy did the glue, but I told her how I wanted it. I made it up myself." It was a far cry from the most impressive or authentic costume, but K thought she was the best dressed kid around. She wore her costume (lopsided star and all) with GREAT pride.
Truly, sacrificing my pride for the sake of hers was a precious lesson I hope to not soon forget.
Special thanks to J. for the authentic Ethiopian crosses! K was thrilled.
7 comments:
great job!
Wow, that is very interesting (the facts). The childern are just precious. K really has a great touch for knowing what she wants. It turned out beautifully!!! What a wonderful lesson!
Blessings!!!!
I always loved school projects that involved learning about different countries.
The costumes are great. K (and you) created an awesome outfit. :)
So glad she liked the crosses and that they made it in time!
I think her outfit was wonderful! It's so hard to let them do it when we just know we could make it better. But their feeling of accomplishment makes it so worth it. And it really is great!
I love how she's looking at you in that picture. That's one happy little girl.
I too wanted to comment how precious that last picture is. She's beaming at you beaming about her! You're both proud.
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