When Charlotte started pre-school, I had visions of a grand gallery filled with the prodigious output of her talent – drawings, paintings, mosaics and the like.
Alas, it was not meant to be.
Every so often, upon entering her classroom to pick her up or drop her off, the products of the latest art project would be displayed on the wall. I would casually saunter over and scan the names on the bottom of each sheet. To my chagrin, Charlotte rarely, if ever, had artwork included.
It wasn’t as though her artwork was deemed unworthy. She simply wasn’t creating any artwork. Most of the art projects are optional, and Charlotte would opt not to participate, choosing to participate in a different activity during those times.
As a result, while other parents would enter the classroom and check their child’s hanging file to find reams of artwork, the only thing I would find in Charlotte’s file, when it wasn’t empty, would be the latest handout on the swine flu, the calendar of activities, the snack schedule, or some other update or notice.
A couple of weeks ago, I went in for a parent-teacher meeting that shed additional light on Charlotte’s apparent lack of interest in arts and crafts.
As her teachers put it, Charlotte’s very social and likes to play with the other kids when she has the chance. Charlotte’s attitude seems to be: why draw, which you can do by yourself, when you can play with friends (which you definitely can’t do by yourself)? She has a particular fondness for what’s called “dramatic play.” She likes to host fancy parties. She also likes to play with toys that she doesn’t have at home.
In addition, her teachers mentioned that they have trouble getting Charlotte to do any art projects, including the ones that are mandatory (for example, the Mother’s Day project and gift). She’ll simply respond, “No, thank you,” and attempt to be on her way.
Oh well, if she can’t draw when she gets older, at least she’ll be able to throw one heck of a fancy party.
I hope you enjoyed today’s serving of ‘mac & cheese.’
