This got me thinking at 4 in the morning about what other art activities I can do with my class(es) that are fun, inspiring, easy to finish in one session and a little practical (or at least can be put on display). My plan is to make some prototypes over spring break (let's see how well that works out - maybe I can make them at my Mom's when I go for a visit).
So here's are my bright ideas...
1). 1 litre milk cartons dressed up to be a desk organizer where they can put pencils, pens, ruler, scissors and anything else that needs to be readily accessible and is a little on the tall side. I thought everyone could make their own unique containers showing off their interests and personality and as an fabulous bonus they would be really useful (and hopefully a little sturdy). We would then attach them with Velcro so they stay on the desks, but they can also be taken home at the end of the year or replaced if something happens to it (and you know something will of course).
2). Then we would make 1 or 2 co-ordinating pieces that can be used for smaller things like erasers, paper clips, flash drives, etc... - I have some great templates I can use from my Big Shot. 1 is a mini milk carton (so cute) and then a little matchbox template with a lid so things don't get lost. Overall I need to make sure I don't take up too much real estate on the desk because like any small surface, space is at a premium.
3). I thought because space is limited and desks get so crammed with stuff, what if they had a working on / homework file/ planner / reading material space that fits under their desk in the form of a file folder (or some other similar system) that is sturdy and won't easily rip. It can be almost the whole size of the desk so large pieces of paper can fit in and be slid out to reveal a more organized space. I'll have to make a few prototypes to see what works best. Maybe we can retro-fit their desks to be more organized too (How can you tell that I watch way too many decorating shows?).
4). One other organizing space I would like to spruce up is the cubby holes they have along the window wall in the classroom. Right now they are a disaster and things just get thrown in there. Maybe if we had a plan for what goes in there and how it is organized it might help a little (I have seen this work really well in other classrooms). I need to take more pictures of things I like that I see in other classrooms which would help remind me of what I can do - there's too much in my head to remember everything otherwise.
This will probably be a work in progress post or series of posts, but it's a good start!
