Many of you probably know Mrs. Lachenmeyer. She teaches Child Development, Working with Children, and Foods. Her Child Development classes are sewing footballs and pillowcases for Mr. Vining’s Stockings for Kids. Mrs. Lachenmeyer says that this activity is “similar to when toddlers learn to use their hands with crayons and puzzles.” Since the students in that class haven’t sewn in a long time, it’s a new experience for them.

The pillowcases being made are associated with the Conkerr Cancer Organization. This organization was started by Cindy Kerr, whose son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. She started sewing pillowcases to brighten his room and he loved it, so she started doing it for the other kids. She started the organization and in just two years, Cindy and thousands of volunteers have sewn over 50,000 pillowcases for kids in hospitals across North America and South Africa. This year Cindy Kerr was chosen as L’Oreal’s Woman of the Year. This award honors women who serve others in their community.

The footballs are purple and white and stuffed with fluff. These toys will help children develop their gross motor skills in the form of throwing and catching. “It’s a relatively safe toy and little kids playing with it will practice gross motor skills,” said Mrs. Lachenmeyer. Most of the kids in the class enjoyed the activity. Emily Cooney explained, “It got easier as it went along.” Mrs. Lachenmeyer included this activity in the curriculum so students can relate to young children. “It shows how frustrating it can be for a child to learn new things,” stated Rebekah Worley. If you want to get involved, you can buy a kit at any local craft store. Or if you want to do it in school, you can take Mrs. Lachenmeyer’s course as an independent study here at Phoenixville. By doing this, you will be creating Christmas memories that children will remember for years to come.