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Hi friends,
So as most of you know, this is my first year teaching. Anywhere. Ever. Because I’m cray and decided to switch careers. You can read more about that life change here. And, like I’ve said before, it’s been the best.
Once it was a for sure, 100% happening deal that I was going to be an art teacher, I began designing my classroom. I always knew that I wanted to have a place in my room that my students could go and do different free choice art activities after they had finished their class projects. Enter the “Creative Corner”.
{ P.S. Are you following me on Instagram yet? }
The Creative Corner acts as an artistic outlet to allow my students explore different art mediums and express themselves in new ways. It’s also a great reward system and they definitely fall in line when / if I have to take the privilege away. But that’s another story. The following items are free choice art activities that I have on the shelves in the Creative Corner that my students just love!
1. Crayola Melt ‘n’ Mold Factory
Ok, this is by far one of my students’ most favorite items in the Creative Corner. A big tub of broken / old crayons was donated to the art class and my students can pick out 2 – 3 colors to melt into new crayon creations. I had an old model from, like, 6 years ago that I originally had in my classroom but it eventually bit the dust. When I was shopping on Amazon I found this new model and bought it (because my students were devastated that they couldn’t make new crayons) and it is a billion times better than the old version.
First and foremost, this version comes with molds that allows you to make crayon rings! The 5-year old inside of me got super excited because who wouldn’t want crayon jewelry? My students definitely would! You can also separately purchase expansion packs to make crayon cars, planes, and more. I just have a regular crayon mold and the ring mold for now but I definitely want to get more for my class!
2. Play-Doh
This is appropriate for a ton of ages and is a great introduction to sculpting. I don’t do a lot of clay project with my young kiddos so this is a good way for them to experiment with a similar substance before they get into the real thing. I don’t have any of the elaborate sets like the ice cream maker (although that would be super fun!) but my kids are able to use simple cutting and rolling tools to use their imaginations and make something amazing.
3. Spin Painter
This spin paint machine is another favorite among the kids; young and old! The only downside is that it uses thicker paper, like cardstock, so once you go through what’s given to you in the package you have to buy / cut more on your own. But the kids are amazed at how it turns out! They get even more amazed when they wear the glasses and turn on the blacklights on the machine to make it look like an optical illusion. They freak out, but in a good way. ;)
4. Chalk & Chalkboard
This may not be a possibility for every classroom, but it’s an all age favorite. When I was setting up my classroom in the summer the Kindergarten teacher was getting rid of her chalkboard and upgrading to a white board. They were just gonna chuck it but I knew I could make use of it somehow. I had it mounted about 15″ above the ground so that it’s perfect height for even the littlest kiddos and I have quite a few packages of sidewalk chalk on the Creative Corner shelves. They create fun pictures, write silly messages, and just have a good time with it overall. Although, be forewarned, during football season it’s more of a “my team rocks” kind of vibe, lol.
5. Sketch Wizard
This thing is super cool, but it’s taken the kids a couple tries to get the hang of it. The title of this is absolutely true because it is pure magic. Basically what it does is allows you to draw anything, using sorcery. Ok, not really. When you place a picture or a 3D object in front of the lens it reflects off of the filter so that the object can be accurately traced on a separate piece of paper. It’s pretty mind blowing and allows the kids to get more comfortable with drawing.
6. Magnetic Rods & Balls
This is another great introduction to sculpting. The kids are able to use the magnetic rods and connector balls to build all sorts of different things. Their only limit is their imagination!
7. Air Brush Machine
This air brush machine is really cool but I will be honest, it can be a bit finicky. I’m still in the process of teaching my younger kiddos how to properly use their art tools, like making sure markers are closed tight so they don’t dry out. They, unfortunately, haven’t gotten the hang of it yet and a lot of the markers for this air brush gun are unusable. But if you’re kiddos know how to close the caps on markers, go for it!
8. Spirograph & Gel Pens
Ever since I was little I’ve loved spirographs. It’s a great way to make amazing and elaborate designs with ease. Add some different colored gel pens and the designs become that much better! Whenever my kids pull the spirograph off the shelf their eyes get wide when they see what it can create!
9. Art History Books
I’m a huge believer in teaching my kids about the artist behind the art. We do projects inspired by them, watch movies about their lives, and I have picture books for them to look at as well. The more exposure they can have to the artist, the more of an impression it makes!
10. Mermaid Pillows
So you’re probably thinking “Wait, what?! You can’t make art with pillows.” But yes, yes you can. Yes, these pillows have reversible sequins that allow you to draw pictures in them. They’re often fought over in the Creative Corner and are tied for favorite thing with the crayon maker. And I will admit, they are super fun. I even have kids coming in during their study hall to chill out and play with them. They often write their names, secret messages, or draw random things. I love when they try and draw each other in the fabric. My kids are crazy but I love ’em. :)
Those are just some of the items I have in my Creative Corner and I’m going to keep adding to it. I love being able to see my kids experiment with new art mediums and expand their creativity.
What free choice art activity was your favorite? Do you have any suggestions for me? Let me know in the comments!
