TITLE: NEWSPAPER CREATIONS
AUTHOR: KATIE GORDY, ROSARY SCHOOL; OKLAHOMA CITY,OK
GRADE LEVEL: Appropriate for grades 4 - 8
OVERVIEW: Occasionally, an activity is needed to let the
students move while using their creative abilities.
This assignment is designed to allow this.
OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to:
1. Move about, exerting energy;
2. Work together in a group; and
3. Use the right side of their brains to think
creatively.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS: This activity requires you to have two
bundles (about two feet high) of newspapers per 30 students.
This can be done in two class periods (preferably 55 minutes
- 1 hour) or in a two hour time slot. You will also need
lots of string, tape (1 roll per team), and paper clips.
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
Divide the class into teams of three or four. Provide them
with the materials above. Tell the students they have a
specific amount of time (at least 30 minutes) to do the
following: build a structure or object with newspaper. The
judge or judges should be able to tell by looking, what it
is the teams have built. ( I've had students build actual-
size bicycles, bathrooms, etc.) At the end of the time
period, the items are placed together and all students sit
down while an adult or adults (you've prearranged) come in
to pick the best and the runner-up. I always give candy as
prizes.
If there is still time, on another day, divide the class
again into groups of three or four. Tell the students they
have a set time (at least 30 minutes) to do the following:
create a costume for one of your team members. Be as
elaborate as possible. Preferably, the costume should be
self-explanatory. The contestants should stand up in front
of the class at the end of the time to be judged by an
outsider(s). Again, candy goes to the winning and runner-up
teams.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: Students LOVE this activity.
Warning: it is messy and noisy but it is a tremendous
amount of fun and it is gratifying to see students working
together so intently and creatively!
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org