Each student should decorate an empty matchbox and turn the little boxes into a hiding place for their tiny treasures. Students learn to trace the shapes of their choice on different color papers and then cut and glue them to their little boxes wrapped in paper.
Even though all the matches are gone, each child is encouraged to find little items they can store in their new embellished boxes as well as think about other things they could repurpose in the same way.
Ask the children to find an abandoned picture with a frame in their home or at a thrift store and give it a brand new life. Multiple layers of black chalkboard paint cover the inside of the old painting surface, and each student gets to select their own color to paint the outer frame. The students will feel the excitement when they take home their new creation to use in their own room or to give as a gift.
Perfect for learning to use materials in a safe manner, each child transforms an empty glass pickle jar (or similar jar) into a decorated storage vessel for candy, cookies or anything else that needs a safe place.
The jar lids are decoupaged with small pieces of patterned paper. Each student also selects assorted beads and buttons to glue to the top for additional detail. The jar will be complete when they add a label with a hand-drawn border.
This is a fun and easy way to introduce younger children to gardening. Cut and fold inexpensive red craft paper into 5-inch by 6-inch note cards. Draw a large heart to adorn the front of the note card. Then apply glue inside the heart border and generously sprinkle with garden seeds. The seeds can then be planted, and the children can watch it grow in the coming weeks.