#sol15 March 7 Bring a Bear to Work Day

It's day 7 of the SOL Challenge.  

"It's bring your stuffed animal to school day," the principal announced excitedly!  With the snow day and ice storm, I'm sure I was not the only one who had forgotten this day was "the big school-wide reward" for collecting dog food for the shelter! I smiled as I looked over at Beary, my overstuffed co-teacher, reading happily in his rocking chair.  "I bring my bear to work every day," I thought to myself!

"I don't have none," my start-the-day-off-reading-student mumbled.  My momma threw them all away."

I didn't take the time to find out if his mom had indeed gotten rid of stuffed animals thinking that an 8 year-old was too big for such childish toys.  I didn't take the time to find out if his stuffed animals had been discarded with a lice epidemic in their home at some time.  I didn't take the time to clarify is he-like-me had forgotten this special day following a snow day.

I headed over to the bookshelf.  "Would you be willing to spend the day with one of my friends?" I asked. He snuggled a floppy, well-loved Clifford under his chin and nodded.  I wondered if J would get any work done with this additional distraction, but convinced myself J would be distracted with or without Clifford by his side.  

When then next group of readers arrived, there were 3 kids squealing with delight because they had their "friends" joining our "Reading Club."  A big overstuffed blowfish gave me a kiss and a well loved bear was dancing in my face before I knew what was happening!  There were, however, 2 very quiet children, ones who are not usually so quiet, without friends under their arms.

I headed once again over to the bookshelf.  "Would you be willing to spend the day with one of my friends?" I asked. A well-loved Paddington Bear, who long ago lost his trademark jacket was quickly named "Little Beary." An aging Curious George was quickly named "Little Georgie" and reading to our friends, rather than my planned learning, ensued.

By the end of the day, my alter-ego and co-teacher was snuggled reading to a host of "friends" who were probably exhausted after their busy day celebrating!  Perhaps it is my imagination, but if you look closely, perhaps you too will see the smiles on all of their faces!