We always hear about great ways to get kids thinking creatively, while doing some sort of double duty. By this, I mean putting down brown packing paper onto tables to protect the surfaces, while giving kids the ability to draw or doodle to their hearts’ content! Well… what do you do with that paper after it’s all done? Read on for more, but a word of advice: DON’T throw it away!!
Age: 3+
Duration: 15 minutes
Learning Objectives: Create artistic talent, generate creative thinking skills. Repurpose old art in a new and fun way.
You’ll Need:
- Brown Wrapping Paper
- Markers/pencil crayons/crayons/pens
- Tape
- Scissors
- Ribbon
Over the years, we’ve worked with children at various art camps and picked up a few pointers along the way. One of our good educator friends gave us this hint: cover up workspaces with brown wrapping paper. Get the students to doodle when they are bored or need some creative stimulation. It’s always good to have a canvas available at all times!
But what do you do with it when it’s all filled up?
Remove the brown drawing paper off the table and cut the best artwork out into large rectangles (about a meter or yard wide, depending on how big the previous workspace was).
Flip the rectangle sheet over. Place a boxed item such as a new toy or a small keepsake into the center of the wrapping paper.
Fold in the long sides. Cut off any of the excess and tape the two edges in place. Fold down the sides as you would for wrapping a gift and cut off any other excess. Tape the sides closed.
This is what you’ll be left with after you flip it right side up.
To give your wrapped present extra special flair, add on a gold ribbon or bow. Tie it in the center and curl the ribbon with scissors.
A great way to spread Christmas or birthday cheer any time of year!
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