More than a File Folder: Up, Down, Open, Closed

It's no secret that I absolutely loved my job as a teacher,

even if it was only for a year and not at the best or most organized school.

My students and their growth was what mattered to me.

I think I put more of my heart, soul, and dedication into that one year

with my twenty-two students than I ever had with anything else in my life.

That is, until my beautiful daughter, Emma Claire, was born.

I may only dedicate my heart and soul to one child (soon to be two)

these days, but it is driven by a much stronger force than I ever had in the classroom:

the unconditional love for my own child and the great pride I feel 

as I watch her grow, learn, develop, and succeed.

Of course I cared for my students and loved watching them progress

throughout the school year, but nothing compares to sharing in your own child's joy

as they reach another milestone, learn a new skill, and grasp another concept.

The emotions that swell up inside me as I watch Emma discover new things 

and say new words is indescribable.  As most parents probably do, I think she is absolutely brilliant. 

She truly amazes me with her intelligence, her curiosity, her excitement, and her love.

She is my greatest passion and although I may never be a teacher in a classroom again,

because of her I am a teacher every minute of every single day.

My one tiny student was the inspiration and motivation behind the creation of this activity...

I wanted to create something to help Emma start to understand the basic concepts of

up and down, open and closed.  I wanted it to be interactive and kid friendly.

I wanted it to be made from basic materials found around the house.

I wanted it to be something that could easily be taken in the car or on a plane.

I wanted it to be colorful and to contain items that she could recognize.

I think I accomplished all of these things with the following items:

- file folders

- crayons/markers

-velcro

- ribbon

- scissors

- glue

    

Emma can open and close the door

and move the kite up and down. 

Up and closed

I really wanted white or tan velcro, 

but of course black was all there was at the PX.

I will just have to live with the big ugly black patches.

Down and open

Here's Emma checking it out for the first time. 

I plan on making a whole series of these, all of which focus on different concepts.

I think we are going to have a lot of fun with these.