The Symbolism of the Cottonwood Cupboard

Why cottonwood trees? We've spent many days in the valley, watching our kids play among the Cottonwood trees that line the river in our town. We've picnicked, biked, and swam in the summer, and hiked, tobogganed, and played in the winter as the Cottonwoods towered over us.

They're enduring trees, known for their transformation and regeneration - even after harsh winters and floods. They persevere in the face of adversity, shedding and regrowing in new ways. Cottonwoods are found in groves, which symbolizes community and unity. They're stronger together, as we all are.

Why a cupboard?

As teachers-turned-homeschoolers, we each have a cupboard in our homes where we keep our supplies, books and materials. It’s where we store supplies for upcoming projects, hide surprises for our kids, and save things “for later” when plans fall through or we’re stuck at home on a snowy day. To be honest, it’s also where we shove things in frantic haste before company arrives lol. The idea of a “teacher’s cupboard” symbolizes the knowledge within. In the same way that a medicine cupboard symbolizes caring for one’s health and wellness, and a fully-stocked kitchen cupboard represents nourishment and plenty, a wooden teaching cupboard represents the learning and knowledge gained through the use of the materials it encompasses. Our teaching cupboards hold and protect our curricula in the same way that we, as teachers, strive to support, care for, and protect our learners.

A handcrafted, wooden cupboard has stood the test of time and represents quality workmanship. We like to think of homeschooling in the same way - that the education our children receive is custom-made using strong, quality materials tailored to each child.

Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart - we draw upon the perseverance and resilient strength of the cottonwoods as we navigate teaching our own children. We value authentic learning and aim to support and empower others through our website.