Category: Creating

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Thinking Outside the Box

One of my kids’ favorite books is called Not A Box by Antoinette Portis. A small rabbit demonstrates just how many things a simple box can be and proves that it can be anything your imagination allows. “It’s not a box!” has become a favorite saying at our house any time we have an empty box that one of our kids wants to create something with. Kids are so creative and have the best imaginations, and it’s fun to watch what they can come up with. 

You don’t have to have an empty box to get creative, though! Creativity can be sparked with next to nothing. Sometimes all it takes is setting out some paper, scissors, and glue. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might throw in an empty paper towel tube, some string, or even some pipe cleaners/chenille stems. I’ve even handed my kids a paper with just a few different lines on it, and they’ve turned those lines into a masterpiece. Simply put, you really don’t have to go crazy to give kids an opportunity to get creative. It really doesn’t take a lot. 

My kids have all had the same kindergarten teacher, and she has a “creation station” set up in her room. In it are bins of scrap paper, stickers, strings, etc. that are open for students to use. My kids have come home with the coolest creations that they’ve made. If you have space in your classroom, perhaps you might consider setting up your own version of a creation station. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it would give students a place to create. If space is limited, or you have older students who might not be interested in gluing and taping paper together, consider providing some other kinds of creative outlets– coloring pages, color by number, origami, and so forth. You can also print off the circle and line art pages below and have them available for students to use. Or, if you’re a parent and need something to entertain your kiddos this summer, print off the pages and see what they come up with! You could even give it a try yourself!

Creativity is so important. Our brains were made to imagine, create, and problem solve. If we foster that natural need early on, and continue to do so, just imagine what kinds of amazing outcomes we will see! 

** These worksheets are for classroom or personal use only. Do not resell, re-post, or claim as your own. **

Circle and Line ArtDownload
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Are Specialty Classes Really Worth It?

Learning to play the recorder in 4th grade was one of the highlights of my elementary school years (though I’m sure my parents weren’t quite as enthusiastic as I was). I remember proudly bringing home my instrument and music book, and squeaking out “Hot Cross Buns” every night as my family covered their ears and pretended to be impressed. I was sure I was going to be the best recorder player there ever was. Turns out I was definitely not the best recorder player, nor was I anywhere close to being so! But even though my recorder playing skills have greatly diminished, and I no longer have the need to play the instrument, the time I spent learning and practicing wasn’t wasted time. Rather, it was time spent learning a new skill, understanding basic music theory, and learning to devote time to practice every day. 

Every now and then, there will be a push to end all “specialty” classes in schools– classes like music and art. Usually the reasoning is lack of funding, lack of resources, or a shortage of qualified teachers. All of those are valid reasons to cut programs, but one must consider the impact of eliminating programs like these. Is it worth the fallout that comes when students don’t have access to these classes? Is the money that would be saved really significant enough that it’s worth putting these programs on the chopping block? I would guess that the majority of teachers would say that it’s not worth it, and that these specialty programs should stay. 

There are so many benefits to providing art and music education. Both areas have been proven time and time again to stimulate parts of the brain that simply are not reached as deeply by typical academic subjects. Music and art encourage creativity. They provide opportunities for students to express themselves. For many students, music and/or art becomes therapeutic. It becomes a way for them to express their feelings and emotions. Music and art are powerful tools. 

Many students don’t have access to formal art or music education outside of school. Extra curricular classes like these can get expensive, making it impossible for many families to provide those opportunities for their children. When these programs are available at school, however, it gives everyone an equal chance to learn in these areas, and that’s simply something that cannot be ignored. 

Art and music education also benefit students by crossing over into other content areas. Students who understand rhythm and beat might have an easier time learning poetry. Art education can stimulate the creative process, helping students think deeper and more critically. Art can also lean into history as students study different artists and styles of art. Various artistic techniques can be used when creating dioramas, presentations, posters, and models. Music can be incredibly useful as students memorize material for other classes by creating songs with the information they need to know. 

So yes, these extra programs do cost money. But the benefits far outweigh the costs. How can you put a price on something that does so much good? I don’t think you can. I don’t think you can accurately predict the lasting impact that these kinds of specialty programs can have on kids. They are invaluable, and absolutely should remain in schools. I cannot even imagine a world without art and music– both bring so much beauty to life!

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Creative Thinking in the Classroom

A couple of weeks ago, I introduced the concept of using the 7 Cs of Education in your classroom. Last week, I talked about critical thinking, which is such a crucial skill not only within a classroom setting, but also in many other settings throughout life.

The second of the 7 Cs is creativity. Creativity can be daunting to some, and may feel very risky to a lot of kids. Even so, creative thinking is so important, and it’s absolutely worth pushing your students to try it. When presented with a problem or situation that needs solving, analyzing, or exploring, looking at it through a creative lens can generate some really unique, innovative ideas. Some kids come hardwired to think creatively, but many do not, and that’s okay! Keeping this in mind then, how do we teach and encourage this kind of thinking? 

Truthfully, there are so many ways to promote creativity for every kind of learning style and every content area. Anytime we can get students to let go of black and white thinking is a big win and a step in the right direction toward creative thinking. Below you will find some ideas you can implement in your teaching. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to encourage creative thinking; every student is different, but all can think outside the box!

  • Encourage movement- physical activity can clear the brain of extra “noise”, which then leaves room for deeper, more creative approaches to solving problems. If possible, let kids move around outside. Movement + fresh air = amazing results!
  • Read! When kids read or are read to, they begin to see beyond their own space. Seeing characters in books facing similar situations as they do can encourage students to approach problems in new, creative ways.
  • Use mistakes and failures as ways to reframe thinking. Learn from the mistakes, take note of what did and did not work, and proceed with a fresh set of ideas. Mistakes aren’t an ending, but rather a chance to try again.
  • Use open ended questions to force students to push their thinking beyond yes/no answers. Asking “why” promotes deeper, more creative thinking.
  • Ask questions that allow students to use their imaginations. “What if” questions are really great for imaginative and creative thinking. Silly questions can also be great tools. 
  • Let kids play on their own. Give them free time. When we step back and let their minds work on their own, you see amazing things start to happen. Sometimes the pressure of a hovering adult can suppress creative thinking. Removing that pressure can help kids feel more relaxed and free to be silly, imaginative, and creative.
  • Let students know that any idea is valuable, especially when in the beginning stages of solving a problem. If they feel like they can contribute their ideas no matter how “out there” they may seem, they are more likely to feel comfortable sharing with others.
  • Make your classroom a safe space for expression, where everyone feels valued and included. Creating a judgement-free zone is super important when creating a safe space.
  • Be flexible. Just because you’re the adult doesn’t mean that your idea or your way is the only idea or way. Be open to new ideas, and encourage your students to do the same.
  • Keep things fun! It’s hard to think creatively when there is pressure and criticism. Many kids will shut down when faced with strict, uptight rules and thinking. 
  • Allow for students to work together. Combining brain power can lead to really great outcomes.

Some of the greatest solutions and ideas have come from creative thinking. As we encourage our students to think in creative ways, their minds begin to open up to all sorts of possibilities. A box goes from a cube of cardboard to a car, spaceship, shopping cart, lawn mower, doll house, or any other number of things. A blank piece of paper and a writing prompt can turn into a magnificent adventure or a mystery full of twists and turns. The options are endless when it comes to creative thinking!

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Spring Break Savers

Spring Break season is upon us, the weather is starting to get warmer, and the end of the school year is creeping up. School breaks are essential for students and teachers alike. The break from the rigors of school work gives everyone a chance to rest, relax, and mentally get ready for the next chunk of the school year. While the breaks are nice, it sometimes leaves parents trying to find ways to keep their kids engaged and entertained. Below is a list of fun, engaging, and educational activities for kids of all ages!

  • Using sidewalk chalk, make an obstacle or challenge course on the sidewalk or driveway. Include different movements (spinning, jumping, hopping, etc.) to keep kids paying attention to what comes next!
  • Head to your local library and check out a few books to read together.
  • Create a “Spring Break Challenge”– kids must complete 8/10 tasks to receive their reward (that can be whatever you choose). Give them two tasks they must do– tasks that are essential life skills– then provide them a list of other options to pick from. Tasks can include things like write a letter then correctly address it and mail it, learn to sew a pillow, learn how to mow the lawn, make a treat for someone you know is lonely, do a sibling’s chore without being asked, make a meal for the family, and so on.
  • Take a walk around the neighborhood and take pictures of anything interesting you see. Go home and learn more about the things you took pictures of.
  • Have kids draw up plans for their dream backyard.
  • Have each child learn how to do one new thing, then have them teach another family member how to do it.
  • Using a muffin tin and water, freeze small plastic animals or figures. Have the kids imagine they are scientists on a rescue mission to save the animals. Let them experiment with different ways to melt the ice– using syringes, medicine droppers, scoops of water, and so on. 
  • Go outside at different times of the day and observe the different lengths and positions of shadows. Learn why this changes throughout the day.
  • Let kids use their imaginations and creative thinking to create an obstacle course out of everyday things. Let them think through things as they come across problems.
  • For older kids, give them each $5, and send them around the store to purchase something for a family member. This gives them a chance to think of someone else, and helps them pay attention to costs of items compared to what they have available to them.

Breaks can feel overwhelming at times, but there are plenty of low cost or free activities to keep your kids engaged, entertained, and active during times away from school. Try some of these activities and let us know what you think!

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Using Easter Eggs to Teach

Kids, especially younger ones, love hands-on activities. The movement feels like play time, and also helps build important neural pathways and connections. There are also benefits for increasing hand-eye coordination as students manipulate objects.

In the weeks leading up to Easter, I love to use plastic Easter eggs as manipulatives and learning tools. There are so many things you can do with them to make learning fun and engaging! The activities listed below are mostly geared toward preschool or kindergarten aged kiddos, but I’m sure older kids would enjoy them as well. 

  • Put rice or beans into eggs to make music shakers. Be sure to tape the eggs closed so you don’t end up with rice or beans all over your classroom!
  • Add eggs to a sensory bin for students to find.
  • Use eggs as a measuring tool– how many eggs tall is each student? How many eggs wide is their desk? How many eggs would it take to measure from one side of the classroom to the other? *For older kids, you could then have them measure the egg then calculate the actual distance.
  • Have students do a color sort with the eggs. Make it more challenging by hiding eggs around the room for them to find first.
  • Hide eggs around the room. Divide the students into small groups and assign each group a color. Whichever team finds all of their eggs first wins the game.
  • Make a chart with each upper case letter of the alphabet on it. Then, write each lower case letter of the alphabet on small pieces of paper. Put the papers in the eggs, hide the eggs, and have students find them. As they find each egg, they must match it to the correct upper case letter.
  • Inside each egg, put a piece of paper containing whatever it is they are working on learning– simple math equations, sight words, spelling words, trivia questions, etc. Hide the eggs around the room or in a sensory bin.
  • Put students in small teams. Give each team a container of egg halves. Set a timer and see which team can make the tallest tower from their egg halves in the time given. 
  • Students can use eggs to form letters or sight words.
  • Print off two sets of identical Easter egg pictures. Cut them out and have students play memory. You can also hide one set around the room and have them find each egg and find the match in the other set.  (see photo below)
  • Using the printed eggs, write a math equation, sight word, spelling word, etc. Students can pick an egg and complete the task on the egg.
  • Easter egg mix & match– Print the downloadable file below, then color each egg one color on top, and a second color on the bottom. Give students the cards and a container of egg halves. They can make eggs to match each card. (see photos below)

These activities would be so much fun for younger grades– give them a try with your students and let us know how they go! Parents of young children, these would be fun for you to try at home, too!

Play memory with matching eggs.
Print & color each egg card
Students can make eggs to match each card
Easter Egg Mix & MatchDownload
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Bringing Olympic Magic to Your Classroom

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been quite invested in the Winter Olympics since they started just over a week ago. There’s nothing quite like watching the world come together to cheer on top athletes as they live out their dreams. It’s inspiring and heartwarming. We’ve been able to sit down as a family and watch some of the events, and it has been so much fun!

I thought it might be fun to also bring the magic of the Olympics to the classroom. There are so many neat activities you can do with your students to bring the spirit of the games to the room:

  • Hold your own class Olympics– think minute-to-win-it type games or even make up your own “sports”
  • In small groups, have students construct ski jumps with cardboard, tin foil, paper, and whatever else you can find
  • Research the host country and learn about its customs, food, language, and geography
  • Make a large chart and keep track of the medal count together as a class
  • If you have a connection to someone who does a sport that is in the Olympics, invite them in to talk to your students about that sport
  • Have students draw themselves doing one of the sports
  • Graph medal counts as a math activity (see free printable below)
  • Survey the class on their favorite sports (see free printable below)
  • Pick one of the countries competing and learn some words from their native language

There are endless options to pick from to bring the Olympics to your classroom. Find what’s right for your class and have fun with it!

**The free downloads are for personal or classroom use only. Do not resell, repost, or claim as your own.** 

Olympic Medal Count GraphingDownload
Winter Olympics Favorite SportsDownload
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Storms Have You Stuck Inside?

Within the last week, severe winter storms have hit several cities across the United States, causing many schools to close due to cold temperatures, ice, and/or snow. If schools are closed, that means kids are home– and that can sometimes leave parents or caretakers scrambling to come up with activities for their kids to do. 

If you have found yourself in this situation before, you know that it can be a bit stressful. Below are a few fun, engaging activities you can do for free (or almost free), and with very minimal prep time. These activities can be adapted for any age and ability.

  • Save the Animals! (or Legos, marbles, tiny action figures, etc.)
    Place small animals (or any object of your choice) in a muffin tin. Fill each compartment with water. Let it freeze. Once it is frozen, you can put the giant ice cube in a bowl or shallow tray, then give your child a medicine dropper or syringe and a cup of warm-ish water. Using the dropper, they can squirt water at the ice until it is melted enough to save the object inside.
  • Don’t Touch the Carpet!
    This game is similar to Floor is Lava, but won’t require your kids to jump all over your furniture. Assign a starting point and an end destination. Give each participant two small pillows, towels, pieces of paper, paper plates, etc. Using only those two objects as their safe places to step, they must make their way from the beginning point to the end point. Usually this would be done by stepping on one while placing the other in front of you, reaching back to grab the first one, then placing that one in front of you, and so on. However, kids can get creative and can problem solve to see if they can think of any other ways to accomplish their mission. This gets their brains thinking and their bodies moving!
  • Lego Task Cards
    On small pieces of paper, write the name of several objects (one per paper). Have your child choose one paper out of a bowl, then create that object. This promotes problem solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skill development. You can also turn it into a friendly competition if you have more than one child playing. 
  • Creative Crafting
    Set out construction paper, popsicle sticks, googly eyes, kid-safe scissors, pipe cleaners, glue, markers, and any other kid-friendly craft supplies you might have. Watch the magic unfold as they cut, glue, and create to their heart’s content. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with as their imaginations run wild.
  • Machine Factory
    Using extra boxes, empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes, string, scissors, and paper, glue or tape together a working machine. As the adult, you can choose what function their machine must carry out, or you can let them get creative and come up with their own idea. This is an excellent STEM activity, as it allows kids to think about logistics, function, machine parts, and how to carry out their plan. 
  • Puzzle Time
    Jigsaw puzzles are such a fun thing to do when you’re cozied up in your house (or anytime, really!). Not only are they fun for all ages, they also keep the mind active. Puzzles promote family togetherness and problem solving together. 

Those winter storms sure can be brutal, and can push your sanity to the edge, but there are so many fun things you can do with your kids when you have nowhere to go and no place to be. Being stuck inside doesn’t have to be boring– it can be fun for everyone AND can even be educational. If you’re one who has been impacted by the recent storms, I’m sending all my best wishes your way! You’ve got this!