Boxing Day is brilliant, isn’t it? School is but a distant memory and there’s nothing to think about other than whether you want cranberry sauce or mayonnaise on your turkey sandwich.
My friend, on the other hand, likes to shoulder-barge her way through the crowds as she explores the sales in town. I think she’s crazy for leaving the house on a bank holiday, but if that’s her way of relaxing, then so be it.
Now, I know you’re all enjoying the holidays, but I’m about to bring up the subject of work: Boxing Day is perfect for gathering a treasure trove of brilliant classroom resources. I promise there’s minimal effort involved, and whether you prefer to spend Boxing Day shopping or relaxing, I’ve got some top tips for you:
Shoppers: hit the sales
Where?
Scour Wilko, The Works and Home Bargains.
Why?
They’ll be full of reduced-price craft sets, fairy lights and decorations that you can use in displays and projects. If you teach in early years foundation stage, you can find discounted toys, books and costumes for your provision areas.
Cost:
Nothing, if you can get your school to foot the bill (when pigs fly). Otherwise it’s up to you.
What’s in it for me?
Aside from the joy of planning activities around your shiny new resources, I reckon you should be able to squeeze in a pub lunch.
Homebodies: check the recycling bin
Where?
Whichever house you happen to be spending Boxing Day in.
Why?
Who loves sparkly things? Primary teachers love sparkly things! Think of all the bits and pieces that have been thrown away that you can use at school (check the list below for what to look out for).
Cost:
Nothing!
What’s in it for me?
The joy of not having to fight your colleagues for the best stuff from the stock cupboard next year.
What to look for and how to use it
- Wrapping paper: use it as backing paper or in collages; compare textures; conduct an experiment to discover which paper is the most porous - the possibilities are endless.
- Christmas cards: cutting-and-sticking heaven.
- Cellophane chocolate wrappers: put them on top of a light box; discover what happens when you combine two colours; make stained-glass window art.
- Foil mince-pie cases: These are crying out to be used as buttons in a role-play rocket. Or try planting cress in them or making tiny environments by adding soil, pebbles and other natural objects.
- Discarded toy packaging: use the boxes for building or to cut up for D&T projects.
- Empty chocolate boxes: add them to your junk modelling pile. The plastic bits that held the chocolates are good for discovering texture.
- Bubble wrap: welcome to mindfulness heaven. Add this to your classroom relaxation zone (if you have one).
OK, the work-related chat is now over. I’m off to make headway on the tin of Quality Street - I need those wrappers for a science activity. Such dedication.
Lisa Jarmin is a teacher and freelance writer
