A Tale of The Dragons.
I find myself standing before 33 Chinese dragons, fearsome with outstretched wings, lolling tongues, bulging eyes and vicious claws .A sinking feeling plunges down and hits hard in the pit of my stomach.
No, I have not travelled to the street fair in Beijing for the Chinese New Year …..Yes you guessed it -I’m back in the classroom of year one ……my usual haunt
The 34th dragon is being held lovingly and proudly waiting to be placed alongside the others on display.
My granddaughter’s eyes looked up at me and my heart twisted as I could feel her disappointment and the pride in her work disappear like a puff of dragon’s breath as she stares at the wonderful creations on display.
Reluctantly, shamefully she nudges her wobbly, splodgy egg box bodied creature on to the table where it lay small and insignificant amongst the magnificent others.
I close my eyes and wish that I could turn back time.
Oh how mythical beasts can fire the imaginations of children and adults but the creation of such a creature takes more know- how and dexterity than those chubby small fingers can manage.
We had googled, we researched, and discussed this project in depth
As each scale was cut out and put into place .I only watched, guided and praised. I DID NOT DO!
This was her work of art not mine .It grew, evolved, an artist’s vision made real.
The 33 dragons mocked me with their terrible eyes for not picking up the scissors, constructing moveable joints, painting meticulous scales and crafting wicked claws.
Small fingers closed tight round my capable wrinkled hand but it was those sad eyes looking up into mine that broke my heart and the knowledge that the words of consolation-
“It is all your own work” are meaningless to a very small child.
Next week I am reliably informed that the Vikings are to make a guest appearance and a long ship may be required.
This Long Boat delivers a dilemma, do I sharpen my tools and hone my skills or watch this dragon’s tale unfurl again as surely as golden sails are attached expertly to their masts?
I believe a child should always be encouraged to do their own art work and feel proud of it ! Believe in her work ,not matter what others bring .
Take a picture of her finished project and display it at home , the time you’ve spent together researching and planning the project it’s invaluable when it comes to her emotional health and self esteem … Soon she will forget about what the other children brought . But the bonding time you’ve spent together ,she will remember for ever !
This seems so unfair, but at the end of the day the teachers would know who had actually made their own Dragon…….and maybe a little extra praise or small reward for actually doing so wouldn’t go amiss………this might discourage other parents from taking on the task themselves……
For a child to develop and mature, it is sometimes necessary to take the occasional emotional “kicking”.
Those who stood with them before that and helped them learn, together with those who stood with them afterwards are remembered.
Those who helped before and stood after are always remembered.
There is no greater immortality than a child remembering you into adulthood and dotage.
Really nicely written blog. I enjoyed it. Thanks.
A child will always remember what you did together, the others it was just another project because their hands did not mould it .your child did and that is exceptional, her memoriesof your time together will never fade……
I just saw a cartoon of a mother coming home with her child from school. The mother was holding a mock up of the solar system.. She said, look honey I got an A on her project! So sad.
whilst reading this I could actually feel the pain and disappointment she must have felt.. but the thing is you made this together and that counts for good memories forever.. Good post 🙂
I have read thuis blog with an attention which make me thought about My childness ,i realised when i was 13 life wasn t easy i didnt wantend to live any more so suïcide was the best way i lost a lot of blood after cutting My both poignets but i was saved unlucky for me .My mother working in shifts my father ill working hard i saw him not offen hè died when i was 15 .i was not accepted at school because i was different had other idees .no friends a lonely boy in an world not understanding who i was .i read many books tales about dragons have the’ on my body tattooed .2 waterdagons 3 firedragons so i could remind i live .every day i look my tattoos and Every day i felt no regrets that s all i have as friends images dreams .