Working in the Wonder Studio: June Wrap-up

~ wordancerblog

The last  two weeks of school found the girls busy wrapping up their spring projects in the Wonder Studio.  Even though I warned them not to start anything new, some of them could not resist.  They spent their recess times painting, making, building mazes, sewing pillow, and making oodles of miniatures.

This twined contraption is actually a replica of our new playground rope swing, which the girls adore.  They actually stand on it and make it sway from side to side.  Allie decided since she was graduating 5th grade this year and would no longer be in the Primary School that she’d make a model of the swing to have and to hold forever.  Once the Mod Podge dried, it was a spectacular swinging specimen! Helping her took me back to my 1980’s macrame days!

Team Coco (Coco and Lucy)  teamed up to make many dozen little creatures that they dubbed  Lil’ Dudes. They plan on selling them to their friends and classmates.  They are budding entrepreneurs  for sure. Then they created this card to say farewell and happy retirement to one of their favorite teachers. Lil’ Dudes and jewels – what more could a teacher ask for?

Millie and Liv teamed up to make miniature Asian food, complete with tiny chopsticks.  I love how they took every day items: rubber bands, cotton balls, wooden skewers, felt, and wood scraps to make a delicious feast. I love their sense of design and detail. It all looks good enough to eat!

And one of my shy and talented budding engineers made a two-tiered cookie platter using  old teacup saucers I found for free at a local tea shop.  One of my colleagues drilled holes in one of the plates, but then broken many more, so she stopped drilling.  Mira noodled through for a few days to figure out what she could do with the plates, and she came up with this brilliant design.

I will miss these intrepid, creative builders!  Their energy lifted me up and always made me think in new ways.  They keep me young in mind and spirit.  I know that their ingenuity will be a force to be reckoned with in Middle School. So we bid Wonder Studio adieu for another year, and I turn to my summer-mind toward resting and thinking about what supplies I can add to create awe and wonder in young children.

10 thoughts on “Working in the Wonder Studio: June Wrap-up”

  1. This post fills me with nostalgia- I was such a “crafter” as a kid, and the opportunity to be presented with “stuff” to craft with was always the BEST! Your photos and captions help capture this mood.

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  2. Joanne, wow, I love your post and all the photos you’ve shared of your wonder studio. It is so fun to create and imagine. I am very curious about the last image. Is this a photograph you enhanced? Happy planning! I just wish I could be there enjoying all you offer to your kiddos! So much fun!

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  4. Joanne,

    After Saturday’s march, I can’t help but think about how crafting at such a young age paved the way for the brilliant, creative journey we’re on to save democracy. Now more than ever we need these creative minds and the inspiration they bring to society. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful photos, too.

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  6. Joanne, your post about creativity and learning, right up to the very end of the school year, reminds me of the hope for this new generation. They will be empowered problem solvers and creators rather than destructors, I pray.

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  8. It may be a wrap for this year’s fifth graders, but the seeds sown will blossom throughout their lives. This is planting for the future. Thanks for sharing the adventures of these “intrepid, creative builders.”

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