First graders need more than worksheets, ipads, and computers. They need scissors, glue, crayon, paint, glitter and so much more! We have to find a happy balance between assessing knowledge through worksheets and technology and assessing knowledge through creation. Creation comes in many forms and one that worked beautifully in my classroom was creating crafts with an assessment piece attached. The finished product always made my students proud. My two year old granddaughter was thrilled to see her "Name Caterpillar" on my fridge! When she saw it displayed she broke out in a huge grin and said, "Granmommy, that's my Name Caterpillar. It says Harper!" We want our students to have this same feeling when they see their work displayed at school. If creating a craft helps to do that....I say DO IT!!!
Fridays were always our new craft day. It was always the culmination of what we had studied in reading, science or social studies. The craft always had an assessment piece tied to it. The assessment might be creating a list, completing a graphic organizer, writing about what they had read, etc.
Crafts take some planning ahead of time so that everything runs smoothly. Below are some tips that may be useful.
1. Print the patterns on colored paper. I cut the construction paper to fit in my printer and print straight from the printer. You could do the same for the copy machine. I just found it more convenient to use my printer.
2. Let the students cut out the patterns. They need to use those scissors to help boost fine motor skills.
3. Create the craft yourself and display for students to use as a guide or you can display the picture included in the product if you have purchased a product. I created the craft and students used it to guide them in putting the pieces together. I never showed them how to do it. This step helps them to persevere and problem solve. It makes them find their GRIT!
4. They won't ALL be perfect but each student will create a beautiful piece.
5. Complete the assessment piece first. Explain thoroughly what is expected and pair students if needed.
Maybe you have never attempted a craft because you think it is too time consuming and will waste academic time. Try it because I know that your students will learn important skills needed as they get older: how to follow directions, how to persevere when things are tough, how to find facts from what they are reading, how to research, etc.
Click the link below to get started with a fun FREE rubber ducky craft and graphic organizer. Everybody loves rubber duckies! Why not let your students read about them and create this fun craft? Perfect for any time of the year but especially perfect for the end of the school year or Rubber Ducky Day on January 13.
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