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I teach a middle-school special education classroom. My students are fairly high functioning when thinking of a self-contained SPED classroom. My assistant's brother-in-law died suddenly last weekend, and she was out most of the week. I wanted the class to make sympathy cards for her. I decided to take several ink pads (old style), stamp sets, and punches that I thought were appropriate.
Well it took the entire day for my 8 students who were present (3 were out sick) for each to make a card, but they had the absolute best time. I took a large sampling of cards I have made for them to look at. We discussed what a hobby is, etc. I worked with two or three at a time while the others did their daily work with the substitute for my assistant. These children enjoyed every single second of it. My big, old, 'tough', middle-school boys loved it. I took stamp sets that I expected the boys to choose from, male-looking card stock, and colors. These guys surprised me. Some chose flowers, several used pink card stock and inks. They were so involved and captivated. They got so caught up using my punches.
The girls designed and made 'purses' on their own. They all, even the boys, took all their punch and paper scraps home with them. Several asked to make cards for their mothers, or siblings with birthdays coming up, etc..(could be why it took all day!). They would ask what color, etc I would use. I would always tell them, "It's your card. Use what you like best."
I enjoyed it as much as they did. It made me wish I had saved all of my old ink pads, but I gave them to friends as I replaced with the new. We will definitely do this again for mother's day!
I should also add that we were able to incorporate measuring skills as well when they would cut their own card stock.
I also let them look at my catalogs to pick out a stamp set for valentine's day, and I would order it. They didn't like any of the stamps for that holiday, and neither did I.
I let my students make Christmas cards with some stamps and some embellishments I had bought on clearance, last year. This was when I was teaching in AZ, and I was allowed to mention the holiday by name. They all made ones for their parents, but then some made additional ones which I received. Best presents ever. Imagine 5th grade boys using Zots and glitter. It was awesome.
__________________ - Happigirlcorgi Shyla P Middleton
Fan Club Member
Sorry to hear it was a sad event that prompted it but so pleased your students got the cance to explore their creativity and to enjoy the process! I'm not at all surprised some of the boys chose flower images and pink shades - my guess is that they were choosing as much on what they thought the recipient would like as on what they liked themselves (which is great news for empathy, a quality we often think young people are lacking!).
That's a great project for them! And good for you for thinking 'outside of the box' as far as regular scheduled curriculum goes. Sometimes the things you end up doing instead ARE the most important.
I work as an Aide for special needs kindergarten kids. I love, love my job and my kids. I know what your Assistant is going to feel when she comes back. What your kids did for her is so much bigger than... a card or two. It will mean the world to her
I took my stamps to school
