Crafting can be extended beyond learning the ABCs. When students make a craftivity, they are developing important skills that are in great need of attention.
1. Fine Motor Skills
Ask any middle-grade teacher who has been around for a while. In general, fine motor skills appear to be less developed than in previous years. Of course, there are students still rocking the eye-hand coordination, but many teachers have seen this trend. Craftivities include practice with cutting, positioning and gluing.
2. Following Directions
See above for similar trends. Following multi-step directions can be especially challenging for students. Craftivities have many steps that can be grouped into chunks of directions for students to follow. For example, "Cut out the leaf, and glue it on the tree branch."
3. Chill Time
Many students relax their minds during craftivity time. Don't be surprised if a few even start humming quietly to themselves. Soft music playing in the background is a great option during craftivity time.
4. Motivation To Write
Whether the completed projects will be hung up in the hall or at home on the fridge, students are usually asked to complete some sort of writing to go with their project. Students have a purpose for writing and craftivities can be an engaging option for reluctant writers. Motivation increases when students prepare their writing to go along with a display project.
5. Pride And Accomplishment
Students love to see their completed projects hung up on a bulletin board or out in the hall!
Click the pictures to view a few customer favorites!
Are you a subscriber yet?
FREE Activity for new subscribers: Sign up for the Fourth Grade Frenzy newsletter!
Learning should be holistic! All aspects should be developed because they are essential to living in the world. As an adult, I love crafting; it brings out my creativity in different ways, making me feel a sense of pride. I must admit that I do not do as much crafting with my learners, especially in this pandemic. These activities make great bulletin boards, and students loved seeing their work. It gave them a sense of accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteI have great memories of their creations. I am looking forward to starting this again when the students are back in the building!