Project # 1: Pencil Boxes

Our first project is going to be supplying pencil boxes for students that don't have them.  I have 4 learning teams so I thought we'd do 4 boxes (I know that there are WAY more than 4 students in our school that can't afford their school supplies but we have to start somewhere right?).  I will take suggestions from other 1st grade teachers regarding students that need the boxes.

I've been watching the sale ads like a hawk & have been trying to buy everything on sale.  I was VERY aggravated the other day-I bought the boxes for 97 cents & then found them at Target the very next day for 50!  Arrrggghhh!   

I have several ideas about this project.  Any teacher knows that the beginning of the year is all about teamwork & building a sense of community.  What better way to do this than a common project/goal!  I just happen to have such a project!  ;)

This is what we'll need for our 1st project:  

1. "Stuffers"-students to actually open the supplies & put them in the pencil boxes

2.  Recyclers-students to recycle all the trash from opening the supplies

3.  Note Writers-I thought it would be nice to write a note to the student getting the box from our kids-just a nice note that says have a great year etc.  I plan on writing the message on the board & having them copy it since it's the beginning of the year.  Everyone in the learning team can sign it & if more than one person wants to write they can share the duties.  :)

4.  Recorder-We will need someone to record on our "100 wall" (the wall that we will be documenting on) our acts of kindness.  I plan on letting this count for 4 acts of kindness because it will help 4 children.  :)

As they say-many hands make light work, also I know that the more jobs students have the more important they feel AND if they're busy they're not getting into other mischief! ;)  I usually try to let the kids "pick" their own jobs with a little guidance from me i.e. "Jenny, you have GREAT handwriting, would you like to write the note for your group" etc.  I have found that if they pick their own job they take a lot of pride in it, they do it well & there is very little arguing, bossing etc.  

By the middle of the year, it is pretty amazing but for the most part they fall into the roles that they feel comfortable with & excel at.  I do try to mix it up a bit after January to get them to take chances & to broaden their horizons etc.  I want everyone to get to experience being a "leader".  They might find they hate it but at least they know!  :)

SO...I have everything we need for our 1st project EXCEPT glue.  I'm trying to find the cheapest price.  I'm checking Target tomorrow-I think it's the cheapest I've found so far.  

Our crayons are already at school-I didn't want them to melt in my car!  ;)

Here's a pic of everything else.  I'm SUPER EXCITED about our 1st project AND I'm MOST excited to get my boys & girls excited about it!   :)