Our teacher decided to do away with this effort. All the children in the class were given white sheets of paper with black lined hearts( featured below if you would like to copy) and have to say something nice about each child in the class. They are allowed to decorate the hearts with crayons, colored pencils, etc. Anyway, there no is capitalism involved in this transaction (no economic stimulus activity here). No independent, unique, creativity in design, card selection, candy choices, etc. Also, thinking of something kind to say about the class bully, is really a lesson in "putting on a false smile and digging deep for a kind thought".
Anyway, my older daughter said---that teacher took all the fun out of Valentine's Day!
What do you think? Is this China Cultural Valentine Revolution or Valentine's Day Evolution?
20 comments:
You have a little gift on my blog!!FELICIDADES
I am in favor of this effort since it seems that V.Day is WAY over the top in my sons school. Plus, it isn't like anyone but the parents put together any of this anymore anyhow so it will save me a lot of work when I don't get any candy!!
The Future Rock Star usually buys one of the little girls some jewelry item [like a little necklace etc] at Target depending on who is in favor this year and then he relies on us to provide and package all the rest of the stuff.
Onward with the printed out hearts!
ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
I'm glad you liked your treasures. I think this black and white copied communist valentine card is sad. If some families can't afford valentines or something, then OK. But honestly, one of the great childhood memories is pouring over the valentine's selection and picking out the perfect pack to address to your classmates...
xoxo,
MM
I think that's a great idea! I don't know if I'm just getting old, but the idea of compliments and recognition of my strengths, no matter how simple they are, would last a hell of a lot longer than a pice of candy or a sweetart!
Just my two cents! I think the teacher is onto something!
Omg, such a cute post!!! But... how sad!? Oh, and the interview... definitely real. I so wish they were mock!!!! Ahhh. Xoxo-BLC
I think that sorta sucks! And I agree that its fake to try to come up with something nice about the "bully". On the other hand, some shy kid might be made very happy by this exercise. This sort of goes along with a conversation my family had last night about the "Coexist" bumper stickers that keep popping up everywhere with all the various religious symbols. Seems a little odd to me.
Well, I think the children need to be taught to be kind, etc. but not forced to say something about everyone in the class. {I mean you are so right about the bully, cause they are out there!!} If she is trying to take "finances" or whatever out of V-Day, the better road would be to simply send a note home requesting no gifts, candy accompanying the Valentines. But still let the kids bring their Valentines to class and put in each other's Valentine's Day Boxes - or whatever they use nowadays. Haha - I have to laugh when I think about my AS having to say something nice about everyone in his class. He is a doll and has such a heart for all things, but most of the time he didn't even take Valentines to school {didn't want to fool with it}, so this activity would have stressed him out!! haha
Omg...that is toooo funny!! I can handle me being awkward in an interview, its when the interview is super awkward that freaks me out! Tomorrow I have two more, surely they will be muchhhhh better!!! Loooove your blog and thanks for your comment! Xoxo-BLC
Hmm, I think I don't like the black/white hearts. We make our Valentine's here at Chez Tickled Pink, and we have a lot of fun doing it (not expensive though, just a lot of construction paper and glue!)
I like the idea of eliminating gifts and candy, which can be expensive, but maybe just limiting children to handmade cards would be better?
We did a project like this in grammar school, making valentines for everyone in class. It was fun -- but I always liked crayons! I would be really happy if this was the worst thing they made me do in school.
Hmm - kind of weird I guess. I think it is nice to encourage the students to be kind to each other, but I loved picking out Valentine's cards and getting fun ones with jokes on them. I agree with Preppy101, maybe the teacher could have just asked for no extra gifts if money was the real issue.
I say BOOOOOOOOO on the black heart.
My son is two and I'm going to be irked if they do away with all the fun things before he even gets to school! LOLOL How awful am I? But I don't expect anyone else to do anything. I just enjoy doing it for others.
Michelle
http://www.everydaycelebrating.com
I see the teacher's point, but the kids and I love picking out Valentine's goodies for their classes. My daughter handmade her Valentine's this year. We both enjoyed this project and that's what it's all about...having fun.
Call us crazy, but we like Pink Maple's idea... it still allows fun without being over the top. The way it is now seems too egalitarian!
tp
Is black the new red??
;-)
Hmmm. I see both sides!
I love the idea of using an individual's creativity (drawing own design on blank heart, own words) instead of BUYING a mass produced valentine...
However, I too have wonderful memories of choosing valentines and little goodies to give to the class with my child or AS a child...
I think doing both would be best!
Seems a little over the top. Our teacher (kindergarten) said the kids can bring in Valentines for classmates, but there has to be one for everyone, which teaches inclusivenss in itself. My son picked out horrible cheap Disney ones from CVS, but whatever, he's 6. He also picked out candy bracelets to attach to them (they're allowed to bring in a treat with their Valentines).
I think the overachieving parents are sometimes the problem (not you personally!). They want so badly to differentiate their kid with fancy specially-ordered Valentines and candy that they don't see that the kids just like getting and giving - it doesn't usually matter to a child if it's from the local drugstore or Godiva.
I'm not sure about this - the V DAY mania for children hasn't caught on over here yet although my 2 year old is being 'taught about it' at nursery this week, and they are making cards. Whether he gives it to me or his 'girlfriend' I'm not sure!
A little over the top, but I can sympathize at the same time with the teacher. Sometimes parents get a little carried away. Sad that the kids suffer at times from this. I think Valentines are fun, sweet and harmless.
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