I was looking for something that would involve coloring, less gluing, AND use these Zip disk cases that I cleared out of my office. Does anyone remember Zip disks? You, of millennial age, I suspect not. Zips were like a fat 3 ¼ inch floppy disk – oh wait, you probably don’t know what that is either. We’ll just leave it at an antiquated computer storage device, like what your flash stick will be a couple of years. The cool thing about this butterfly is that it flaps its wings when you open and close the case.
I thought the kids might like something involving a baby, so I hopped on this.
First: “I’m SLIGHTLY allergic to pollen,” stated one of the kids. Relevant or not, we were off to make some elephants. Perhaps the most joyful collection of creatures yet—rainbows, polka dots, a jet pack for high flying antics (see white elephant on the left), and a snail???
Is this Dumbo, or Babar? Whoever it is, or isn’t, I think it’s pretty cute.
Nothing like hanging around, feeling groovy! I intended on using cardboard for the tree, but quickly realized that there’s no way my kiddos would be able to cut through stiff board.
Big hugs from the kids and the requisite “What are we making today?” Then, “Maybe we’re making a toilet. With a giant head coming out covered in poo!”
If only. The lions were a big hit, and I’m not sure why I’m still surprised that the girls always make food dishes and toys for their critters. And houses. And carrying cases. Except for Boy Ranger– no food for his creature!
I’m back! Now with 11 orange juice lids and ready to roar!
I’ll be traveling to see family and will miss class, but my indispensable friend will run the show.
“Where is the demonstration ladybug?” cried the girls as they grabbed their materials. Demonstration Ladybug was the clear winner of the bugs and the kids wiped out my lid collection. Dozens of the little ladies were created while only one enterprising kid made all four creatures. My boy ranger made … ?????
We also got a Q-Tipped happy spider and a lollipop-eating bumblebee. Well done kids!
Turns out we don’t go through as much Tropicana OJ as I thought, so the lion will have to wait! Since we didn’t have a chance to make the spider during our Halloween zombie class, let’s see what kind of bugs the kids come up with.
Mine included:
11 six and seven year olds. 15 Classes. Arts and Crafts. Making things with recycled stuff.
On the heels of a successful morning class that I led last spring, “Mini Mod Dollhouse,” the school asked if I would be interested in leading an after-school arts and crafts course. Sure! I said. I had a great experience making groovy dollhouses and furniture with 4th and 5th graders. We used a bunch of recycled materials and made some really spectacular stuff. Check it out at makeitminimod.wordpress.com. I was psyched to replicate the experience.
It was only after I committed and was checking the schedule that I noticed the fine print – K-2nd grade. Oy. That’s young! Too young to handle my most critical tool: the glue gun. How was this going to work? And I had also promised using recycled materials again. Can a 6 year old cut cardboard?
After a quick pivot from dollhouses to animals, several consultations with my mom (former art teacher) and days of experimenting and trial runs—I was ready. Or not.