My After School program, Kids Club, continues through the end of May. I will confess to having a very special place in my heart for these kids and with my long day, to being a tad tired.
Pinterest has been my ‘go to guide’ for games, art and even snacks, and they ate every bite.
Some enjoy the process more than the project.
Most days, I provide the opportunity to just be ‘kids’. Boxes have not gone out of style and I cherish their giggles.
I do believe that their favorite thing to do has been to take ‘stuff’ apart.
They’ve dismantled a sewing machine, a radio, a pencil sharpener, a grinder, a clock, an espresso machine, a vacuum cleaner (that was messy), a drill, remote chargers and a few toys. They have a tool box, screw drivers and repeat out loud, “Lefty Loosy, Righty Tighty”, often followed by, “Miss Ellen, which way is left?”
With all the ‘taking apart’ we’ve done, I knew we needed a ‘putting together’ project. My Loving Spouse (Our Master Carpenter) cut out the wood and packaged the parts for each child to build their own tool box.
Kids Club Kids got to hammering. Let me tell you, there was a wide learning curve here. Yes, fingers were smashed, but everyone lived and only one whined. One little guy, said, “I can’t wait to show my big brother my blood blister.”
6 years old and missing teeth, this little one, learned a lot about nails and wood.
On day one, Our Master Carpenter was there to lend a hammering hand, as I was glad that I could still crawl around on my hands and knees to help each child as they cried out, “Miss Ellen….”.
My little girls sanding away, earned the Rosie the Riveter award.
Day two, this tenacious little gal got hers put together while Miss Ellen was busy helping an older child.
Day three, I thought would be easy, after all, all we were doing was painting them. How hard could it be? (I should have called for back up).
I ran around fetching paint and answering the never-ending…
“Miss Ellen, I need….” 
“Miss Ellen, I had an accident.”
“Miss Ellen…whoops! I have paint on my elbows.”
“Miss Ellen…”
Yes, it has been worth it! Yes, my ‘tank’ is running on empty. Summer will be here soon…
Such happy faces (on the kids AND the adults!) My guess is that this program you started has impacted the children in far reaching ways, both in and out of the classroom. You are an inspiration! P.S. LOVE the socks!!!
Thank you my friend, they are precious with a dash of exasperating.
The socks were a gift from Number Two Son!
What a blessing you are to these precious children! I know they just love Miss Ellen, as do all of us who know you❤️
Thank you so much, dear friend!
xo
Thanks Mims! The little ones are amazing. The total pink one is my favorite!
What a wonderful experience you and Pat provided for those budding carpenters! They will remember this activity for the rest of their lives. Love the colorful tool boxes!