On Thursday, I was responsible for a service project at Lauren's elementary school. I was responsible for the project for the first graders. It was decided back in November that the 65 first graders would decorate valentine cards for the residents at an area retirement home. My grandma is actually living at this particular facility, so I was more than willing to organize and help out!
During the months following November, we held monthly meetings ensuring that all necessary planning was taking place. I had to write letters to the teachers and parents explaining the service project, ask for donations, and purchase the supplies. I then had to organize the supplies so that the six and seven year olds could quickly complete a "meaningful" Valentine in the 15 minutes allotted for the project. I have to admit that I am SOOOOO tired of seeing Valentine hearts and pink and red paper.
Thursday came and went! We had a great day. I had three groups of approx 22 kids at different times during the day. And I definitely learned through the process. The most important lesson that I learned was: Do not give first graders free-reign over the glitter glue. By the third group, the glitter glue was securely packed away in my supply bag. They didn't even know what they were missing.
Another important lesson that I learned, was that when explaining to the kids about what the service project was about, I should have only given them a brief explanation. I can't decide if mentioning that the Valentines where going to older people at a retirement home was necessary. You would definitely think so..... but.... here was an example that made me think twice.
I actually saved this valentine for the director of the retirement home. He loved it.
First graders are the best! They are so honest and they "say it the way it is!"
Here are a few fun examples:
Interpretation: "Happy Valentines Some One. Be My Valentine. Cutie Patutie."
Interpretation (the second line is hard to read): "Be My Valentine. If you were my mom or dad or Grandma or Grandpa, you would be perfect."
Lauren and her friend Kate helped deliver the cards yesterday during lunch. The residents seemed genuinely happy to receive the valentines.
