The 8th graders wrote a paper for English a few weeks ago called "My Favorite Toy." They had to choose a toy that was special to them when they were little tots, and explain in detail WHY the toy was special. The paper required that they structure their ideas logically and create vivid descriptions for their toys, and they were great fun to read! I have posted three samples below, with the names deleted for privacy's sake.
(a Highland Catholic 8th Grader)
September 23, 2012
English 8-1
The Fabric of My Childhood
Memories woven through the simple stitches, my Elephant Blankie has been with me forever. This soft, cuddly blanket with an elephant image on it was passed down from both of my sisters, landing on and staying with me. The fact that I was the third child to fall in love with it, made it all the more special, and I found that she really was meant for me. To say that I was attached was an understatement. "Ella" went with me everywhere, a comfort I didn't want to let go of because we had made many memories together.
For as long as I can remember, I've had Elephant Blankie. I didn't know of the many tears shed, the tantrums thrown, and the wailing and pleading from my sisters to keep her. I only knew that this perfect, snugly blanket was for me. It had an ordinary cream color with an extraordinary elephant in the middle. When I was three years old, I asked my dad what the machine washable tag said, and he replied, "This blanket was only made for the (girl’s name) of the world," and it truly was. This blanket was meant for me, in every way possible. When I received this, it was like a torch had been passed down through each of my sisters. Every girl was swaddled and hugged in it, though I was the one with the real instant, lasting connection.
Ella was always by my side. Through trips, losses, and being tucked in each night, I loved embracing the soft and comfy elephant. Every summer, this blanket would be squished into my tiny suitcase and flown 1,500 miles to my grandparents house. I forgot her there one year, and I cried so much that my mom had to have it sent back with first-class shipping. Although I almost lost her to a fire from a space heater years ago, she is thankfully still here today. I also remember clinging on to Ella when my grandparents were sick. She was always there for me, alleviating every situation from pain or hardship.
Looking back, I realize the important role my the blanket played in my childhood. She still lies at the foot of my bed, protecting me and staying by my side, like she did when I was young. I still give her a hug, and thank the inanimate object for all that she has done for me. Elephant Blankie was wrapped around me as a newborn, was dragged throughout the house when I was a toddler, squeezed and played with as a child, and remains on my bed ever since. I plan to pass down my incredible blanket to my children, so they can share in the love of Ella, and create enduring memories of their own.
(a Highland 8th Grader)
September 24, 2012
English 7-1
Nerf Guns
From a well concealed position, the sound of gunfire shatters the silence. Darts explode from the muzzle of the gun and streak across the room, thudding into the target: my brother. These guns are good toys for many reasons. One is that the dart tips are soft, and they cannot break anything. Another thing is that we had many epic battles with them, all with different obstacles and challenges.
There are many different kinds of play weapons, but the favorite kind of kids and parents alike are the dart guns from Nerf. If the darts hit someone, all they will feel is a little poke and they may be a little surprised. Once, I got hit in the eye, and the was a small flash in my eye and a bit of pain, but is faded away quickly. Some other brands have darts that hurt or are hard to control, but the Nerf brand has soft darts and accurate guns, so kids can shoot where they want. Also, if they accidentally hit something fragile, the dart won't break it, while a plastic light saber or axe would shatter anything in its path, including your child's bones. Another reason they are great is that they are easy to clean up. If you take a shot, it is easy to track, so you can go and retrieve the dart quickly.
In any environment you can have large battles. One time, we spent hours building a fort. It was made of blankets, chairs, nets, and cardboard. One person would attack, and one would defend. Usually, the defender would win, but one time, I was attacking, and I decided to hide. When my brother heard no gunshots and couldn't see me, he stuck his head out the window. That was when I blew him out of the water. We had many others, but that was probably the most amazing.
Every time we went to a target store, my brother and I always wanted to go to the Nerf aisle. Those guns were our favorite play item. Now, we do not use them much, though we still have a bin of them. Sometimes we decide to use them, mostly on rainy days, and those occasions bring back vivid memories.
(a Hi-C 8th Grader)
September 23, 2012
English 8-1
My Baby Cloth Doll
"The simpler it is, the more beautiful it will become." --Wilhelm Backhaus, and what is simpler than a little cloth doll? My favorite childhood toy was a little doll named Baby Doll. She was my favorite because she was the first toy I can remember and she has stayed with me no matter what. Also, even though some people might say a bitten off hand is repellent, it makes my doll all the more endearing to me.
The memories of their first toy stay with many people forever. My first and favorite toy has stayed with me too. As long as I can remember, I have had my doll. She stayed in my room, traveled with me, and even went to school with me a few times. Sadly, I forgot her in the classroom one time and we had to wait until the next day before we could find each other. Despite that, my one-handed doll stayed loyal to me.
Many people do not like dolls that are missing hands, but I do. Many years ago, when I had brought my doll downstairs, my dog, Cocoa, decided that he liked my doll too, as a chew toy. So, when I was not watching, and Cocoa was pining for attention, he grabbed my doll. Cocoa grabbed my doll and ran. He went towards the living room, with me close behind, and when I finally got a hold on my doll, Cocoa struck. He bit down hard. Then, my poor doll fell limply into my hands, and I saw the full extent of her injury. Her hand was torn off. Some people might get rid of one-handed dolls, but not me. I knew that when people get hurt, they need support. So dolls do too. Don't they?
Despite my close childhood with Baby doll, we no longer go places together. She has had an early retirement, and now sits on a shelf. She sits there with a few of her stuffed-animal friends and reminisces about our past.
