CMP Review 2024-12-16

December 16, 2024

Shortly before I began reading The Wind in the Willows with my Form 1 students, I discovered a craft book with patterns for how to make felt versions of the story’s characters. Inspired to create these as companions to our reading, I decided to make them “for the kids” (but maybe secretly also because I love making things). The process of creating them was quite enjoyable, but the impact on our little classroom was even more rewarding.

The felt friends not only enhanced our reading of The Wind in the Willows, helping bring Mole, Ratty, Toad, Badger, and Otter to life, but they also helped my newest student find her voice and confidence in narrating.

“The teacher who allows his scholars the freedom of the city of books is at liberty to be their guide, philosopher and friend; and is no longer the mere instrument of forcible intellectual feeding.” (Charlotte Mason, Vol. 6, p. 32)

@tessakeath