Yesterday, after nine weeks of using only glue sticks we had “the talk” about white glue. Several of my students have asked about the glue bottles stored in their seat pockets. A couple have begged to use them. Yesterday was the day! Oh my….
There are so many new rules and procedures and skills to be learned during the first nine weeks of school that I just don’t want to add white glue to the list. It requires much more control and precision and cleanup than a glue stick. Much more important to learn scissor skills and safety first. And I just don’t want to deal with sticky papers on my desk. But eventually we must have the option of using white glue because it is cheaper and stronger. I do allow the students to use it in art center from the very beginning, so it’s not like they have never tried it. Being “forbidden” for a few weeks makes it that much more desirable. So everyone has used it during centers.
But yesterday in morning meeting we talked about the guidelines for using white glue:
- Use only a small amount. Demonstrated.
- Put it on the piece you cut out NOT the paper you are going to put it on. Demonstrated.
- Spread it out with your pointer finger. The glue will wipe or rub off your finger completely. Demonstrated.
- Close your glue and put it upright in your seat pocket (little pocket at the bottom) when you are finished. Demonstrated.
First opportunity to use the glue was during math. They were to cut out word and number rectangles, glue them on their papers in matching pairs, and draw dots to represent the number.
|
|
:::::
I even set it up so they didn’t have to worry about the “math” part. They had their number charts in front of them, so it was really just about using the glue. Easy, right?
Don’t forget that using the glue is a NEW skill.
Instructions will be ignored.
Demonstrations will be forgotten.
Experimentation will ensue.
I wish now that I had taken photos!!
There were rivers of glue on some papers. I observed and reminded and guided and reassured all through the process. Some could not get their bottle open. Some had trouble squeezing the bottle. Some didn’t want to get it on their fingers. Some students did everything wrong and then wondered why their paper was a wet sticky mess! Others paid a little bit of attention and were more successful. It was a fascinating insight into how their little minds process new information.
Another new skill in progress! In another week or so they will be adept enough to tackle all the holiday projects that are ahead…maybe.
Comments