My classroom is a chaotic symphony. Students sit by their friends, music is playing and there is constant motion as students move about to get the get the materials they need, or to find someone who can help them solve a problem. It is often hard to find me as I'm usually seated at a student desk.
My students are so diverse; it is impossible to describe them except to say that they are the most open minded empathetic group of young people you would ever like to meet.
Some of our students are homeless, many of our students have parents who work in agriculture, some work in technology and still others have parents who work at the university. We have students who are second language learners and some who choose to take a second language as their elective.
I'm fortunate to teach 6th, 7th and 8th graders in mixed grade level classes. I love this arrangement because the older students show the younger students the ropes, and provide examples of advanced student work, while the younger students are really still very childlike, just on the cusp of adolescence, not yet terribly self-conscious, and more willing to play and take risks. They offer a balance for each other the lends itself to fantastically creative work.
My Project
I recently got the book "Sock and Glove" by Miyako Kanamori. I've now made 6 adorable little characters and just know my students will love making them too.
We will use the gloves, needles, thread, buttons and felt to make soft sculptures.
As we are making them, I will introduce the concept of alter-egos and imaginary friends. When the soft sculptures are complete, students will need decide if their sculpture is an alter-ego or an imaginary friend, give it a name, and write a short story about their character.
We will go to the computer lab and type up the stories. The stories will serve as artist statements, which will hang beside their sculptures in an end of the year art show.
Students will have learned how to thread a needle, tie a knot and at least two different type of stitches, and how to attach a button. They will learn more about themselves as they have to put words to feelings about their interior dialogs. And they will experience the joy of sharing their work.
Can you imagine not being able to sew on a button?
That a shirt becomes unwearable when the button falls off? This project will provide some very basic sewing skills, and at the same time students will be creating adorable little creatures they fall in love with. I envision these soft sculptures becoming locker buddies, gifts to younger siblings, or the best friend who sits on your pillow waiting for you to come home and listens to all your middle school woes with love.
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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. Crocetti and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.