Improvise

Back in the day - there was Show and Tell. I don't remember much about it (which isn't a big surprise), but I do remember that we had show and tell in kindergarten and it was a day to bring in a cool toy or other object and show it to your friends and tell them why it was so cool. Sadly, though I was only 4 or 5 at the time, I do remember already feeling a sense of trying to fit in and trying to find a toy that others would deem "cool enough" to be awed and admired by others. Bleh.

Now, there is Show and Share day (close enough). The major difference is the toy or object has to coincide with the lesson of the week, which always involves a particular letter and particular color. This week? Ryan had to bring in something that was either red or began with the letter N.

Instantly transported back to kindergarten, I was looking around for something others might think was cool - nothing. I almost thought about giving him a red duplo block and calling it a day when I decided we could get a little creative.

I decided to improvise.

Now, improvisation is a great tool to have. My best improv story was from college - when I used a carrot as a rolling pin. As a mom, improv is easy because oftentimes it's just a matter of having your kids use their imagination. But sometimes, improv is hard because it's almost like being Magyver. You need to use what little things you may have in your possession to turn it into something bigger and grander. My Magyver tools that day? Three pieces of sewing string (red, black and white), red pinwheel noodles, red buttons and tape. I decided to go for the trifecta of show and share objects - It met the color and letter criteria and was homemade to boot! We made a Red Noodle and Button Necklace. The only string I had for the necklace was sewing string, which, singularly isn't strong enough to withstand curious 2 year olds. So I busted out some old-school friendship bracelet-making skills and braided three pieces together to reinforce the chain (take that, Magyver). Then, for good measure, I had Ryan help me string on the noodle and button "beads" - a quick lesson in colors and hand eye coordination. We are on fi-yah!

He was so proud of his noodle necklace and his friends loved it. Most importantly? It was a subconscious lesson that you don't need to spend a lot of money on the "cool" toys in order to make a good impression with others. Dig it.