We had enjoyed such an amazing Advocacy Day in DC; Elizabeth, then eight years old, had gone through an exhausting morning of meetings before lobbying on Capitol Hill to help reduce the staggering infant mortality rate. Along with the CEOs of Save the Children and Warm Up, America!, she and I were guests that afternoon at the White House! Our appointment with First Lady’ Laura Bush’’s Chief of Staff had made front-page news in the Houston Chronicle. Elizabeth had been knitting a baby cap all the way to DC and had finished it just that morning, so she had it there with her to show the fruits of her labor. In the First Lady's library, where we sat.. She got to tell the staffer, Cherie, all about our school's knit-for-service club. I was so proud of that little Westwood Ambassador as she explained why we do what we do to help Save the Children worldwide. As we were saying our good byes and thanking her for her time and interest in our project, Cherie asked Elizabeth if she'd like to leave her handiwork at the White House for Mrs. Bush, and she politely acquiesced.
In an interview aT a Museum reception that night, Elizabeth was asked how it felt to leave her hand-knit hat in the White House for the First Lady. She thought about it for a split second before she replied, “It was ok, I guess, but I really made that hat for a baby.” That's when I knew that Knit One, Save One was more than just a fun phrase; it meant something special to this novice needle worker. And that's why I'll never again underestimate the power of a project with a purpose.
Click here to watch a reflective video we made during the KOSO campaign, then use the book Shall I Knit You A Hat by Kate and Sarah Klise as inspiration for a service-learning project of your own. Read all about what happens when little Rabbit's mom knits creative caps for all of his friends.
One by Katheryn Otoshi
ReplyDeleteDebra
Okay, I'm back! I must say...that a few of my students showed such generosity and kindness. We had a field trip which some students may not have been able to afford. I had several students "pay" for a friend. it just shows how in small ways we can all pay it forward.
ReplyDeleteWe love How Full Is Your Bucket in my room.
The Empty Pot by Demi. This book introduces honesty, fairness, courage, and responsive behavior. If not familiar with it, the emperor is getting old and needs to find a successor. He decides to give seeds to the children and the best grown flower will be worthy of succeeding him, Little do the children know but the seeds have been roasted and cannot grow. Children bring pretty grown flowers except Ping who is honest and brings his empty pot. For extensions to curriculum, I either have the children grow bean plants in a peat pot or else we talk about Chinese culture.
ReplyDeleteOh, Mrs. Parker - we LOVE the bucket books and Jo, The Empty Pot is one of our FAVES, too!
ReplyDeleteDebra, have you read Zero by Kathryn Otoshi? Another keeper! Good luck.