“Mom, I need a new pair of shoes.”
What?
“Violet, you own at least 20 pair of shoes. In fact, I just bought you a pair of boots about a month ago. Why do you need new shoes?”
She handed me a note from her math teacher. Each student in her class is required to make a Valentine’s box. They will be using them to practice measuring. Each box must have a theme and her teacher prefers something shoe-box sized. If a box is not done, the child will earn a 0 (that’s right - ZeeRoe) for a Math grade. Mr. Math-teacher - he’s so creative and yet so hard-nosed!
Violet is in love with musicals so naturally she chose her favorite, Phantom of the Opera, to be the theme of her box. It’s a love story you know.
We spent a few hours thinking about how we could create a “Phantom of the Opera” box, surfing the web for potential ideas. Then we made a list of supplies we’d need and set off to the store to get them.
First, we needed a shoe box. Violet’s shoes come in boxes that are way too small for this project so I was forced to buy a new pair of shoes today. I wasn’t really planning to buy myself a new pair of shoes. But it’s for a grade so what choice did I really have? Sometimes parents have to make sacrifices for their children’s education. What do you think? Cute huh?
After admiring my new shoes for a little while, Violet and I set about trying to create a Valentine’s day masterpiece. In addition to the math grade (!!), there will be a vote on who’s box is best with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize so it must be spectacular! I am allowed to make suggestions and do any cutting that needs to be done with a knife but she wants to do the rest by herself.
Violet starts the project by painting the box and cutting out the art work she’s picked out. Talking the whole time about how she is totally going to have the best, most creative box. I’m not sure how realistic that is - I mean everybody knows that the children who win these kind of contests (art projects, science fairs, creative writing contests or whatever) usually had more than a little help from their parents.
As she starts constructing the theater and gluing on the decorations, I can see her vision start to take shape. And though it may have slightly crooked lettering, a few extra blobs of glue or whatnot, Violet’s box turns out beautifully.
I’ve got a little tear of pride in my eye. I think it deserves 1st prize - don’t you?
You can see the whole process here.
Amber 
6