“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
I love the above quote by post-impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh. It reminds me that great things come from small beginnings. To me, I feel like Van Gogh was talking about the importance of tiny, little, miniature moments. Small things and moments that are brought together can make a big difference. It is the daily activities and routines that can have a meaningful impact on a child’s overall development.
When I was little, mealtime routines were a big event at my home and school. Every night my family sat around the table to eat dinner together. At school, we sat at our desks during lunch time. Tucked into my 1970s Donny & Marie Osmond lunchbox was evidence of my mother’s love when I was at school. I was so proud of that lunchbox. A former cool whip container held homemade pasta and meatballs, piece of fruit, spoon, and washcloth. It wasn’t until some of the girls in my class made fun of my food that I became self-conscious about what was in my lunchbox. I started to feel embarrassed by the ethnic food my Italian family sent me to school with and the recycled vessels like cool whip containers and butter tubs. Today I feel embarrassed that I was embarrassed by my school lunch. I remember feeling like I wanted to fit in with the other kids and have a lunch of peanut butter and jelly on plain Wonder bread. When I became a teacher, I tried to help my students feel proud of their heritage and culture. It is who we are.
If you celebrate Valentine’s Day, I have an activity you can do that celebrates reusing and recycling common household objects (like my parents did with cool whip and butter tub containers). Take a container that holds plastic or aluminum wrap. Remove the contents and the jagged edge that cuts the wrap/film or aluminum. This should leave your box smooth and safe to now decorate to your hearts content. In this picture you can see we painted the box and added wallpaper to the top lid. You and your children can create yours any way you like. Play with creativity. Once you have your box beautifully decorated, fill it with a yummy treat. We rolled Oreo cookies in frosting and sprinkles.
What would Van Gogh do? I think he would create lasting things. We can too. Create lasting memories out of the common daily activities and objects. During the pandemic many parents are looking for things to do with their little ones because we are spending so much more time together at home. Give children a scavenger hunt and have them find objects around the house that can be repurposed to create a Valentine’s gift ala the box of goodies. Reuse and recycle household object(s) to create beautiful artistic gifts for your loved ones. You can turn the small moment into a big memory for your child. Happy Valentine’s Day!
