by parkermom 07 Apr 2015

I don't post much, but here goes: I teach a math class of 11 high school students, and because of job changes, this is probably my last class to teach every day. So, I'd like to make them each something special but I don't know enough about their cultures to know if they would even like something. Here's the breakdown of my class. They are all 15-16 years old:

2 American girls, 2 American boys (one of whom is learning disabled), one visually impaired Hispanic boy, 1 boy from El Salvador,4 girls from Burma and 1 boy from Burma. My Burmese students speak no English, so they can't read well. So to me, bookmarks are out, and now I'm clueless. Any ideas? I love ith projects, but I don't want these kids to just toss something away on their way out the door.

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by pennifold 08 Apr 2015

Thank you for teaching these beautiful children and bless you for wanting to make them something. I agree with all the others a zippered purse (for want of a better word) for holding a key, or a credit card or a few dollars etc. would be great. Love Chris

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parkermom by parkermom 08 Apr 2015

My Burmese kids have come (to our little town in Arkansas) from a refugee camp in Thailand where they fled because Burma is in a civil war. They have worked so hard and it is so frustrating to not be able to communicate very well with these sweethearts. I think the in the hoop wallet/cases is going to be my choice. Thanks so much for your kind words.

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by cfidl 08 Apr 2015

zipper bags are the in!

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parkermom by parkermom 08 Apr 2015

I was so scared to try my first ith project and it was so easy! Moosebstitchin and five star fonts have been great, as have many other sites. I'm hooked. Thanks.

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by toogie 08 Apr 2015

Keychains go over well for teens. Each usually have a house key and if they just learn to drive-wupe-e-e!

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parkermom by parkermom 08 Apr 2015

Thanks for your idea--the thought of some of these kids driving strikes terror into my heart! The students who speak English in my little class have all failed this class once before, so having good study skills is not their strong point. I hope they can pass their driving test!

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by airyfairy 08 Apr 2015

you have had so many great answers. Thank you for all you do for these children. Teachers are the best.

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parkermom by parkermom 08 Apr 2015

Thank you. You're very kind. Teaching is definitely challenging, especially when there's a language barrier.

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by rachap 07 Apr 2015

If you go to five star fonts they have a free small square zippered "purse"- for lack of a better word made in the hoop. I have made several of these for all ages and the boys like them as well, just use appropiate fabric.. They can hold change, ID cards, chapstick ,keys. etc.If you put a clip on they can go on a backpack, purse, leans belt loop,etc. Once you do the first one and get ite technique down they go pretty fast.
Blessing to your for your care of these children.

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parkermom by parkermom 08 Apr 2015

I'm really leaning towards the in the hoop idea with a clip. Thanks so much.

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getEdited - SELECT
by asterixsew Moderator edited 07 Apr 2015

I think that they are a very lucky group of students. The fact that you want to make them something gives us the feeling that you think a lot about this group. I am sure that a ith project would be great. Would you have the time/desire to make each a zipped purse that either has their name on or
http://www.embroiderygarden.com/s... like the cat, owl and dog. There is a great pi design at Urban Threads but I get the impression (apologies if I am wrong) that the group are a low set so will they have remembered pi? What fun ahead and what a lucky group. The last link is great too

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parkermom by parkermom 08 Apr 2015

Thanks for your kind words. The in the hoop ideas really appeal to me, so I'm going to explore in that directions. Thanks again.

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by dailylaundry 07 Apr 2015

I would make them a snap key chain with their school colors or their school initials. That would work for a boy or girl. They could use it for a house or car key. No one can please everyone - but, I would imagine most of these kids would be thrilled that someone went to the troubled of making them something. Or, since it is a math class - you could make them a key chain with the symbol of Pi. Good luck! Hugs, Laura*

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parkermom by parkermom 07 Apr 2015

thanks so much. Great ideas--never even thought about a snap key chain.

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by jrob Moderator 07 Apr 2015

What about a little zippered bag that you could put a clip on that would hook on a jeans belt loop or book bag. Something big enough to hold a folded bill and a housekey.

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by tfk 07 Apr 2015

I guess towels are used by everyone and if they are personalised with their names they would like it! Maybe small hand towels or face towels :)
Some monogrammed key rings or maybe caps if you can do those! :) these just came to mind so suggested. ..good luck!

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parkermom by parkermom 07 Apr 2015

That's a good idea. Thank you.

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