Crafting Fun

I am teaching in a new school this year. The school is a middle school, with grades 6-8, while my previous school was 7-9. I student taught with 8th graders, and haven't taught the younger grades until this year. Teaching 6th and 7th grade has been challenging for me this year, so I'm always looking for new things to try with those classes especially.

A few weeks ago another teacher mentioned how well her 6th grade classes did making 3-D posters. I had planned for my students to make posters today about ancient Greece. As I was leaving the house this morning, I remembered the 3-D idea, so I quickly grabbed my old "Craft Fun Box." The box contained the most random craft supplies, most of which I haven't touched in years- old beads, a variety of ribbons, glitter, foam shapes, fuzzy balls, etc.

After I introduced the poster assignment to my class today, I told them they would have a few extra supplies to use, and showed them the different things from my craft fun box. They were so excited. Every single child in the room. And, although it was a little overwhelming to monitor a bunch of 6th graders with glitter and glue, I had a blast! And the posters are starting to come along nicely too.

As an added bonus, letting the kids use up my craft supplies means I have an excuse to replenish my stock :)