Thursday, March 17, 2011

"Catch Me If You Can!"

A rainbow trap before and after...To make your own for next year, go here for instructions for three suggested traps.

The hat pit trap...Sorry I forgot to take a before pic!

I just wanted to share the project that my creative writing class adopted this year. As you know I am a huge fan of the Family Fun magazine that Disney publishes. After a little suggestion from me, the class took my idea and turned the leprechaun traps into full-fledged stories that they read to kindergarten and a second grade classes. Talk about lots of fun! The "big" kids enjoyed writing the stories and building the traps just as much as the little ones enjoyed receiving the goodies. (And of course I loved helping them pull this off!) Yesterday, they went to the classrooms, read the stories, and set up their traps. I, as the pesky leprechaun, when back after school, threw the traps, left behind a leprechaun hat and shoes, and placed the Skittles that the leprechaun left in place of the "gold." (According to the students' stories, leprechauns love Skittles!) Anyway, the teachers were thrilled, the students were excited to see if they would catch the leprechaun, and my students simply had a ball yesterday. (They love anything out of the ordinary...You know you have to take a break once in a while from all the serious stuff!) I called and talked to one of the teachers this afternoon, and their students were fascinated and thrilled with everything...It was a topic of conversation all day, evidently. They really want us to come again next year...I guess it will depend if I am teaching creative writing again. Today, I rewarded my students with Skittles of their own and St. Patrick themed cupcakes. (Tori enjoyed helping out with the sprinkles of course!)

Hope your St. Patrick's Day was lots of fun, too!

2 comments:

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

Cindy, I love your lesson plan! The traps turned out beautiful and who knew leprechauns loved skittles (I thought they were the lucky charm sort). One thing I love about reading blogs is hearing about what others did to encourage creativity and a love of learning in children. Wonderful post & St. Patty's blessings to you.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Your leprechaun traps are just wonderful. Happy St. Patty's day!!