Back before I finished my teaching degree, when my own two kids were younger, I wanted a cute back-to-school gift for their teachers that didn't cost a lot of money. I've made these for several years now and even made one for my own classroom now that I have one! If you time it right, and get your pencils on sale in late July, this project is very cost effective. In fact, I refuse to purchase pencils at any other time of the year - stocking up during the summer has proven to be incredibly easy on the pocketbook.
By covering a metal coffee can (or an unused paint can from a craft supply store) with scrapbook paper and stickers, you can create an adorable way to display a collection of newly sharpened pencils for a new favorite teacher. I suppose the pencils don't HAVE to be sharpened but let me share with you the following anecdote. When presenting this gift to my daughter's teacher a few years ago, she was obviously happy to receive it. However, she reached in and took one out and exclaimed, "OH! They're sharpened!" Her face lit up in a grin. That was a great moment.
Here's a tip: When you're at the craft store, you may want to invest in a section of foam to be put into the bottom of the paint or coffee can to cushion the pencil tips. You can have the store cut you a section so that you don't have to buy the whole big slab. If you have an old mattress topper lying around you could cut that as well. In fact, if you used a mattress topper I bet the pencils would be lifted up at different levels created more texture and dimension. Hmmmmm... might have to try that.
One of my biggest pet peeves in any classroom has always been the sound of the pencil sharpener. Manual or electric, it doesn't matter, I don't like that noise interrupting the work going on in my classroom. Having a supply of sharpened pencils that are accessible to the students completely eliminates the line that can form at the sharpener as well. Having a super cute place to hold them is just a bonus.
Adding colorful pencil toppers (find them at a dollar store) adds a certain flair but could have an adverse affect. It might make the teacher reluctant to share them!
Have a great week!
RW&BT
