Buttons That Speak: Student-Made Pins for Expression and Entrepreneurship
Help me give my students the chance to design and produce custom buttons, magnets, keychains, and more. This hands-on project will support life skills instruction, boost communication and confidence, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and school community engagement.
My students are full of creativity and pride, and they love opportunities to express themselves and share their talents with others. With the Nice2Have Button Maker Machine, my goal is to give them a tool that lets them create custom buttons, keychains, magnets, and bottle openers—not only for fun, but also as part of functional life skills lessons focused on communication, art, and even entrepreneurship.
This machine includes multiple sizes (1in, 1.25in, and 2.25in), 500+ design templates, and materials to make 500 buttons, along with 15 keychains, magnets, and bottle openers—perfect for starting a mini school-based business or fundraiser.
It will allow students to design and create products they can sell at school events or gift to others.
What We're Learning
Using the button maker, my students will:
- Practice fine motor skills through hands-on creation
- Learn design software basics to create personalized buttons
- Explore marketing and budgeting skills by running a small classroom-based shop
- Build social and communication skills when presenting or selling their items
- Celebrate student identity, cultural events, and school spirit with custom pins
Why It Matters
I teach high school students with disabilities, many of whom are preparing to transition into adulthood. This project provides real-world skills that boost confidence and independence, while also celebrating creativity and teamwork. Whether we’re making “kindness pins,” cultural celebration magnets, or custom keychains for fundraisers, the possibilities are endless—and meaningful.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Betina Agatha Lipa and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
