I was a little nervous to try this with my 1st graders, but loved the idea of a fun spring project. Origami can be very involved and complicated, but these folds weren't too tricky. However, I was unsure how I would be able to get this project done with 15 1st graders in 30 minutes. But the challenge was a success!
My 1st graders are quite a challenging group. Many have low motor skills and behavior issues. They are difficult to work with on most days. I have 2 classes of 1st graders, both with about 15 students in each class. Projects are either done in 30 minutes or last 1-2 weeks for my K-3rd graders. My older elementary students usually work 2-4 weeks or so on projects. Anyway I have 1st grade right away on Monday mornings...definitely not the most ideal time but I make it work. One class comes and then I have a fast and furious 5 minute clean-up/prep time before the next 1st grade group comes in. It gets a little crazy at times!!!
For this origami project I focused with small groups of 4-5 at a time. By doing this I was able to work with each student and give them the help they needed on 1 or 2 of the trickier folds. While I was working with 1 group, the other 2 groups were working on a free draw activity. After their flower bud was folded, they got into my scrap paper and cut a stem and leaves for their flower. Working with a small group was the only way this project was successful in 30 minutes. This was a good idea but by the time I got to the 3rd group there was about 5 minutes of class left! It was a little hectic and by the time I finished with 2 classes of 1st grade I was a bit frazzled. But...the outcome was awesome and the compliments I received were wonderful! Many couldn't believe that my 1st graders made these! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment