A teacher at an Australian school has gained worldwide attention after a Twitter post about the stuffed toys she made for her students as a surprise Christmas gift went viral.
When his sixth-grade teacher asked Kit to draw his fantasy monster, he had no idea it would become a furry reality.
But his teacher at his north Melbourne school gave him and his 21 classmates a surprise he’ll never forget.
Kit drew a yellow, green, and grey caterpillar-like creature with spikes and wrote his name next to it.
About two months later, during the last week of the school year, he received GooGoo, spikes and all, as a Christmas gift from his teacher.
Kit’s mother, Michelle, told us her son’s preparatory class was “blown away”.
“Their nightmares have come true. It’s pretty amazing, “She stated.
“Kit said he was so excited, and he was making all of his excited faces as he said it.”
“‘I love my monster, and now I get to keep it to remember prep and [my teacher],” he said.
Kit told his mother that the sentimental gift demonstrated how much his teacher cares about him.
The teacher’s surprise has gone viral.
Reid Parker, whose son Oscar attends the school, described himself as “spellbound” by the creativity and time allotted to each of the 22 students.
“I photographed [Oscar’s] toy alongside the drawing he’d created. When I posted in a group chat with other parents from his class, they responded with toys and drawings of their own “He stated.
Reid created a thread on Twitter this week to share the drawings alongside the real-life monsters, with their permission and to show appreciation for the teacher.
It has since gone viral, receiving nearly four million views and over 100,000 likes from people all over the world.
“They are adored by the children. We’ve returned to New Zealand to see family for Christmas, and the unnamed toy has joined us “Reid informed us on Twitter.
“It appears to be a Therizinosaurus, which he recently saw in [the movie] Jurassic Park Dominion.”
Reid and Michelle were both impressed that their children’s teacher spent her own time making the toys.
“She did it all on her own time and expense; it’s not part of the curriculum,” Michelle explained.
Reid stated that he had heard the teacher had previously made the toys for the students.
“Apparently, during [the COVID-19] lockdown, she rode around the neighborhood dropping off toys at each child’s house,” he explained.
He stated that it was an example of why teachers should be compensated more for their efforts.
“Our children spend half of their waking hours with teachers.”
“They contribute to the development of the individuals that those children will become. There are numerous stories of people who attribute their success to inspirational teachers.”
According to Talent.com, the average primary school teacher salary in Australia is $83,448.
The educator behind the toys
We attempted to contact the teacher who was behind the toys.
She said she felt “very appreciated” by the outpouring of support on social media, but she didn’t want any more attention.
Reid revealed on Twitter that someone attempted to impersonate him in order to raise funds for the story. The account has been deactivated.
He encouraged anyone who was moved by the teacher’s performance to donate to a local school.
What an amazing teacher! She must really love teaching and love her students.
I want to compliment you on your thoughtfulness and artistic ability. I bet your “kids” (students) were thrilled!!!
Thank you for going the extra “miles’.
Love