Striker Jones_Elementary Economics for Elementary Detectives by Maggie M. Larche

Author:Maggie M. Larche [Larche, Maggie M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-03-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6: Smarts and Crafts

It was the day before Christmas vacation, and the kids in Striker’s class were getting antsy. As they walked back into the classroom from lunch, everyone was chattering.

“I wish it was time to go home,” sighed Sheila.

“I know,” said Striker. “This afternoon’s going to be torture!”

There was general agreement from several students around them, as everyone dropped into their seats. Work was clearly the last thing on anyone’s mind. Bill and Zack began to knock a paper football around while Sheila texted under her desk. Ralph was flipping through a comic book, and even Andrew was passing notes.

Ms. Peters strode to the front of the classroom and knocked on the white board.

“Earth to students,” she said with a smile. “I know we’re all gearing up for vacation, but we’re not there yet! We’ve got a fun project we’re going to work on this afternoon. Everyone is going to make a fleece scarf!”

“A scarf?” Striker heard Ralph mutter. “Why would I want to make one of those?”

Sheila clearly felt differently. “How fun! I love to design clothes. Mine is going to be gorgeous!”

“Not so fast,” continued Ms. Peters over the growing noise from the students. “We’re not going to get to keep them. Instead we’re going to donate them to the Chorale Pals, our local community chorus. They are going caroling at the local nursing home over the break, and we are going to support them by donating scarves for them to wear while singing.”

The spark of interest from the students abruptly faded.

“We have to make scarves, and we don’t even get to keep them?” asked Ralph.

“Hey,” whispered Sheila to Amy, “Aren’t you in the Chorale Pals?”

Amy nodded. “I joined it when we first moved here.”

“Come on, guys,” said Ms. Peters loudly, frowning at the lukewarm response. “Where is your holiday spirit? Now,” she clapped her hands, “supplies are at the front of the class, and I’ve got several different colors of material. You need to cut out your scarf, and then use the other colors to make patterns. You can use the fabric glue I’ve provided to attach your designs.”

“Come on!” said Sheila, considerably more energized than any other student. She grabbed Amy’s hand and pulled her to the front of the room. They reached the materials before anyone else and began to rummage around.

Striker watched them from his seat as other students meandered to the materials table.

“Man,” said Bill beside him. “I’m glad we’re not doing regular work, but I could think of a hundred things to do that would be more fun than making a scarf. Why can’t this morning’s Christmas party just go all day?”

“Yeah,” said Striker. “But at least we’ve got the party candy to keep us going!” He pulled out his goody bag from the class Christmas party. It was overflowing with sweets.

Bill stole a chocolate and pointed to the front of the room. Sheila was excitedly comparing gold and red material at the supplies table. “Sheila’s scarf is probably going to be the only good one.

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