Here it comes...the day before Christmas break when we are unsure how to fill the time. We teeter between I'm done, they're done, let's just be done, and I'm a teacher, this is school, let's learn.

So, let's take the middle road.

Here is an activity that can be morphed to fit many environments. It requires thinking, is engaging for your students, and is easy for you to implement.

Ready?

Introducing…trash to treasure!

Let me warn you. It's a project of sorts. And, i can hear your grumbling now. Teachers typically aren't fans of projects for two reasons. One is that it often costs money to purchase the necessary supplies. And, the second reason is that it takes too much time. This project will surprise you on both fronts because it takes as much or as little time as you want and is essentially free!

Here are the steps to making it happen:

1. Put students into groups (ideally 3-4 per group).

2. Explain to students that they will be creating a museum display of a current event. And, the only materials they can use are those available in the classroom/school.

3. They will get 5 minutes (or however long you determine) to research their current event, plot, and plan. I encourage them during this time to whisper so as not to give away their ideas to another team.

4. Groups get 5 minutes (or less if you wish) to gather materials to make their display. This is a real scavenger hunt. If you trust them, send them out of the classroom to gather. If not, the classroom environment can usually yield enough. Anything is fair game, and garbage will likely become their new best friend.

5. Let the creativity take over as students build their displays. I encourage them not to label the current event so that students can guess what is being created.

6. When students are finished, (I usually allow between 20-30 minutes) I ask students to tour the gallery of current events, making guesses as to the current events being displayed.

7. Then, each group takes guesses and tell a little bit about their display and why they chose that topic.

To make this project a bit more rigorous, considering having students identify at least three elements of depth and complexity that connect to their current event. If you aren’t sure how to incorporate depth and complexity, check out my post, here.

You can also have students write about the current event. They could write a summary, or explore something more creative such as how would they have reacted in that situation or how they feel they could impact the situation in a positive way.

So, as the fun-filled yet harried holidays begin to take over, remember that you have this option ready in your back pocket!

HOW TO SPEND THE DAY BEFORE A BREAK...TRASH TO TREASURE