As a mom, I am always excited when one of my sons bring one of their beautiful creations home. I keep a box of all their wonderful artwork and in a year, I sift through them and keep their best work or the art that brings tears to my eyes. I still have my oldest son's first picture of a penguin he made because it reminds me of his spirit. The kindergarten Thanksgiving activity is a keepsake that you can use today and tomorrow. As I look at my son's special artwork it transcends me to the past and I remember my son of yesterday. I only go back for a moment but without the great art created at school it would be more difficult to become lost in the past.
As a teacher and parent, it is important for students to create a few art pieces that will be cherished for years to come. It is not a teachers obligation, but all parents thank you for your kindness in having our children creating something that will last a few years as we come to terms with our child getting older.