A pencil

I am forever amazed at what some children do not have at their disposal. I was upset at a few of my students today for not returning their homework. I was also upset that one student kept chewing up his pencils. Not just nibbling but actually knawing on them like a beaver would a tree. I asked for reasons as to why they did not do their homework and on child said,"I did not have a pencil". This child said "why do others eat their pencils when I do not even have one at my house"?
Well, the teacher had no answer which seems to happen to me a great deal lately. I was astonished once again at the haves and have nots. One child would have done anything to have a pencil to finish their homework and the other is eating this item due to boredom.
I grew up in a home that had every item that I needed to complete any task as well as to be creative and fun. We were not rich as far as money, but my home was rich in items that helped me to excell. There was always a pencil, paper, glue, tape, scissors, material, pins on the floor from my mom's sewing great items and the list goes on and on. I have always had a craft closet. Jeff calls it my" mini walmart". I have tons of folders, paper, notebooks, glue, pencils etc. All of these items I buy when on sale and keep in the case of emergency. I have never not had a pencil.
I am continually amazed at how some households are able to function. No wonder when I let the children use tape and staples like today they go bananas. Or why I am a godess of a teacher when I bring out the glitter. All the things that I was able to play with and my daughters were able to play with are out of some children's reach.
So my challenge to all my 6 followers today is take a box of pencils to a school near to you. Tell the secretary that they are to be given out as needed to children that are unable to complete their homework because they do not have one. I know not one of you will be asked to take your pencils home.......