Context
Christmas was approaching, and I was assigned the task of conducting a themed activity for a 4th-grade class at "Mihai Eminescu Theoretical High School" in Cluj-Napoca.
This was a group task, and I collaborated with two classmates. One of my classmates suggested the idea of creating snowmen using rice, allowing the pupils to decorate them however they liked, resulting in adorable creations.
Our professor attended the activity to assist us if needed. My specific role was to explain the steps of the project to the entire class, while my colleagues supported the children during the activity. By the end of the class, I had also engaged directly with the children, with each of us focusing on two rows of students. The activity lasted 50 minutes and was both enjoyable and creative.
This was a group task, and I collaborated with two classmates. One of my classmates suggested the idea of creating snowmen using rice, allowing the pupils to decorate them however they liked, resulting in adorable creations.
Our professor attended the activity to assist us if needed. My specific role was to explain the steps of the project to the entire class, while my colleagues supported the children during the activity. By the end of the class, I had also engaged directly with the children, with each of us focusing on two rows of students. The activity lasted 50 minutes and was both enjoyable and creative.
Preparation
Our professor communicated with the class teacher beforehand to inform the children to bring at least 1 white sock and some rice for the activity. We also brought extra materials, just in case someone needed them, but the class was well-prepared, and everyone managed to bring what was required.
Additionally, we brought pom-poms, ribbons, paper cups, and a glue gun to ensure the activity had all the necessary supplies for creativity and decoration.
Additionally, we brought pom-poms, ribbons, paper cups, and a glue gun to ensure the activity had all the necessary supplies for creativity and decoration.
Introduction
Our professor introduced us to the class and informed the pupils that my classmates and I would be leading the activity. To make it more engaging, we didn’t reveal what they were about to create, allowing them to guess after the first step.
We also distributed one paper cup to each child, with the help of three students who volunteered to assist in spreading them around.
We also distributed one paper cup to each child, with the help of three students who volunteered to assist in spreading them around.
Activity
I introduced the first step: filling the cup with rice. I explained that the sock should be placed completely over the cup to prevent spilling rice onto the table, and then the rice could simply be poured into the sock. Once the first fill was complete, I instructed the class to repeat the process one more time, although some chose to do it twice more to achieve a larger snowman.
I assisted those who had difficulty. For instance, one child struggled to pick up spilled rice grain by grain. I suggested he wipes the rice to the edge of the table and use the cup to collect it more efficiently.
After everyone filled their socks, I demonstrated how to tie a knot at the sock’s opening to seal it. At this point, I asked the children if they could guess what we were crafting. They were very perceptive and correctly identified the theme as snowmen.
Next, I helped some children tie their knots, as it was a bit tricky for a few of them. We then used a second string to tie the middle of the sock, forming the two classic snowman "balls." Those who added more rice were able to create three-tiered snowmen.
With the base complete, it was time for decoration. The children’s imaginations ran wild as they created clothes and hats to personalize their snowmen. We offered suggestions, like using ribbons to make scarves or pom-poms as buttons. They also used googly eyes and Sharpies to add facial features.
Some children worked quickly and asked if they could make another snowman. We were pleasantly surprised by their speed and enthusiasm, encouraging them to continue as they wished.
Certain decorations needed to be glued onto the sock, requiring the use of a glue gun. Since the glue gun can become very hot and potentially dangerous, my classmates and I took turns helping the children glue the decorations.
Before we knew it, the time was up, with only five minutes left before the bell rang. We wrapped up the activity by asking the children to showcase their creations. They were visibly proud of their work, with one student even creating a “snow-duck” by adding a beak and a wider base to their creation.
We then began cleaning the classroom, with each child cleaning their own table. It was a joyful and successful activity that left both the children and us with big smiles.
I assisted those who had difficulty. For instance, one child struggled to pick up spilled rice grain by grain. I suggested he wipes the rice to the edge of the table and use the cup to collect it more efficiently.
After everyone filled their socks, I demonstrated how to tie a knot at the sock’s opening to seal it. At this point, I asked the children if they could guess what we were crafting. They were very perceptive and correctly identified the theme as snowmen.
Next, I helped some children tie their knots, as it was a bit tricky for a few of them. We then used a second string to tie the middle of the sock, forming the two classic snowman "balls." Those who added more rice were able to create three-tiered snowmen.
With the base complete, it was time for decoration. The children’s imaginations ran wild as they created clothes and hats to personalize their snowmen. We offered suggestions, like using ribbons to make scarves or pom-poms as buttons. They also used googly eyes and Sharpies to add facial features.
Some children worked quickly and asked if they could make another snowman. We were pleasantly surprised by their speed and enthusiasm, encouraging them to continue as they wished.
Certain decorations needed to be glued onto the sock, requiring the use of a glue gun. Since the glue gun can become very hot and potentially dangerous, my classmates and I took turns helping the children glue the decorations.
Before we knew it, the time was up, with only five minutes left before the bell rang. We wrapped up the activity by asking the children to showcase their creations. They were visibly proud of their work, with one student even creating a “snow-duck” by adding a beak and a wider base to their creation.
We then began cleaning the classroom, with each child cleaning their own table. It was a joyful and successful activity that left both the children and us with big smiles.
Conclusion
The children absolutely loved this activity and were very open and receptive to us. They interacted freely, feeling confident enough to ask questions and share their thoughts.
On a personal level, this opportunity allowed me to connect with younger children and discover how enjoyable it is to work with them. Their excitement and enthusiasm for creative activities made the experience incredibly rewarding. This further solidified my desire to work with children in the future, as it reinforced my belief in the joy and fulfillment such interactions bring.
On a personal level, this opportunity allowed me to connect with younger children and discover how enjoyable it is to work with them. Their excitement and enthusiasm for creative activities made the experience incredibly rewarding. This further solidified my desire to work with children in the future, as it reinforced my belief in the joy and fulfillment such interactions bring.