I just finished doing Gratitude Jars with my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. They were a huge hit. I especially loved hearing what my students were grateful for. Their responses were precious. There was lots of gratitude expressed for pets and family...in that order. Some of the more unique responses were gratitude for family trips, being alive, world peace, chocolate, and video games.

Even though I have around 100 students, this project wasn't that tricky to implement. In the beginning of the school year I sent home a notice to the parents asking that they send in glass jars (washed) with their lids. I brought them home and spray painted the lids. I cut pieces of harvest-themed paper: larger pieces to wrap around the jar and smaller pieces for decorating. I printed out 100 address labels that said "Gratitude Jar" on them, and I even wrote up some simple instructions on how to use their jar. A little double-sided tape around the jar held the newly decorated label in place on the jar. The kids tied a piece of raffia around the top of the jar (with my help) and voila! Thanksgiving in a jar!

Have a wonderful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!!

I decided to try this project out on my Kindergarten students. Nothing like the possibility of disappointing 32 darling 5-year-olds! Thankfully, they all turned out great! They are going to love their scribble cookies.

Here's how I did them... The kids chose their crayons and peeled the paper wrapper off of them. They broke them into pieces and put them in an unlined muffin tin. I put all of their names on the bottoms of the muffin tins on a piece of masking tape. Yes, finding their designated tin required a lot of lifting the whole thing above my head. It looked a little funny. I put them in the oven heated to 200 degrees. I kept a close eye on them. I pulled them out when some of the crayons were liquid and some were just soft because I didn't want all of the colors to mix together. I let them cool overnight. This morning they all popped right out when I flipped over the muffin tin. Then I moved the name tapes from the tin bottoms to the cookies. Couldn't be easier!

I haven't washed out the muffin tins yet, but MaryAnn assures me that they will clean up with hot soapy water. She hasn't let me down yet!

Last year at this time I was saddened by the possibility that one of my favorite products was being discontinued. Thankfully, it has reappeared, much to my relief. This item is COLORED PAPER TAPE. This tape comes in sets of 10 colors and has water-activated adhesive on one side. All your child has to do is cut the colored tape into shapes (with scissors or paper punches), moisten the one side on a damp sponge, and stick onto a piece of paper or card. The creative possibilities are endless. No need for messy glue sticks. The colors are vibrant, sure to inspire hours of creativity. This paper tape is perfect for a group activity, especially if you are tired of those foamie shape kits, bleck!

Click here http://www.dickblick.com/products/gummed-artape-rolls/ to view.

It's a very good thing!