Trying Something New

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for hosting Slice of Life Tuesday.  Please check their site for other slices.  

I've been wracking my brains for an idea of what to have my students make for their parents for Christmas.  From the time I started teaching in the mid 80s, I've always carved out time for my students to make something for their parents.  It's usually not Christmas themed, since I often have students who don't celebrate Christmas.  We've made ornaments, calendars, and for the last few years, I've had my students write I Am From poems.  I decided it was time to do something different this year, but I wasn't sure what it would be.  

I found these cute time capsule ornaments (made with fourth grade memories).

I thought about something with handprints or thumbprints.

Maybe coasters made from white tiles and Sharpies?

I even dreamed about it last night!  It was not a happy dream.  

Then, I started to think, "Maybe they don't want to make an ornament for their moms and dads."  Maybe they don't want to write.  Maybe some will want to make an ornament and others will want to make a book.  Even though I think a gift is thoughtful, doesn't mean my students share my thinking.  Knowing them, they probably have a better idea than I do.

Then I had another thought.  Was I crazy?  We've been doing so much with Google 20% and giving kids choice in their learning. What would happen if I gave kids choice in creating a gift for their parents?  What would happen if I brought in all of the unused craft items in my basement and put it all out and let the kids make whatever they want to?  What will they dream up?  What will they create?  Raising 3 creative children means that I have a lot of stuff still in my basement. 

There will be no rules, except that you have to clean  up your mess and share supplies.  If I have the supplies in the room, you can use them to make whatever you can imagine.  

 

So, Friday afternoon is going to be a mini Santa's Workshop in Room 114.  I'm excited about the possibilities.  Yes, it's going to be messy, but I've learned that messy is good.  That's when the best learning and creating happens.  

I'll keep you posted on how it goes.  I already know what my Saturday celebration post will be.