Last week’s post was heavy, looking back on the Cu Chi tunnels of the Vietnam War. To lighten things up, I’m proud to present a piece I’ve been working on for a while: The Awesomeness of Pencil Cases in Korea. I have long been an admirer of my students’ stationery supplies. Those who know me well know that I have a weakness and it goes by the name of Morning Glory stationary shops. I love pens, notebooks, sticky tabs and all things organizational.
After years of pencil case appreciation in the classroom, I’ve finally managed to compile some examples to show you here. Before I get started I’d like to remind everyone that of course there are “normal,” “plain” pencil cases that exist here too, but who cares? That doesn’t make for good writing. I’m about to show you the best of the best from my kids, grades 3 through 5. The grade 6 kids get too cool for funky pencil cases and start to feel the pressures of adolescence at which time, blending in is often easiest. Without further ado, let’s do this! (click on any photo to enlarge)
First and foremost, these are amazing. They are called “zip-it” brand pencil cases and they are sometimes in the shape of a monster (as shown) but sometimes just a rectangular pencil case made of one huge unzippable zipper.
Next, I’d like to address the sometimes ludicrous English messages printed on pencil cases here. Often the messages are sweet and cheerful while others send chills down my spine.
That’s pretty deep discussion. I just wanted to borrow an eraser. Let’s move on.
Mmmm…’k…Not necessarily true but moving on…
I don’t even know what to say. That one makes no sense at all, but the cartoon girl is cool.
Wow. That’s just dark. Definitely not borrowing an eraser from you. You just stay the hell away from me.
Let’s leave the dark side and enter the land of pretty vintage dolls printed on a lot of popular cases these days.
Teddy bears are always a classic choice as well, although more popular with the younger kids.
All right that’s enough cute. Now onto the weird and borderline gross. The “Larva” cartoon characters are really popular with kids these days. They are literally larva. In cartoon form. What the hell Korea? Seriously. The first pic shows the two main characters while one farts a cloud of faeces, much to his friend’s displeasure.
The next one showcases Mr. Farty Pants eating a mini hot dog snack while his larva and bacterial/blueberry friend watch in horror. (This one actually folds out into a 2-tier case which is pretty cool.)
For the grand finale I’d like to show you some of my favourite pencil cases, for no reason other than I think they’re awesome.
That’s it for this week folks. Thanks for indulging me as I complete another life goal here in Korea. My kids had fun showing off their pencil cases and no larva were harmed in the making of this post. Next week I’ll be interviewing Canadian musician Ryan Cook. Stay tuned and be well!
Two-tiered Larva, how can!
Haha Grandpa! The 1700s. Good one :)
Hi Karluchi:
Kids will tell you a great deal about their thoughts if they have an avenue. The pencil cases represent that.
When Nana and I were in junior school in 1743 or 1744, our pencils were held in a little box made of bass wood and we treasured them. I had my name on my box in many places.
love youse,
nana and gramp xxoo
Love Mr. Farty Pants!
I want to see more pencil cases. I enjoyed this too much.