Teaching help needed

[craftfairy]

Hi everyone.
I've been asked to teach a group of kids in two weerk time. I will have 15 kids per group and I have to teach cardmaking. They are being made to do this rather than having chosen to do it. They will be girls and boys and their ages will range from 12 to 15. Not all in the same class though.

Does anyone have any ideas for the boys in particular? It can't be scrapbooking it has to be cards. I have a fair range of stamps from Savvy stamps and I Brake for Stamps. However, they will only be with me for 1 hour per group and I will have 4 groups per day, so nothing that takes a huge amount of time and preparation.

there must be someone who has done this foolhardy sort of thing before.

Is this too much I ask myself.

Yvonne

[chemteacher]

I think it sounds like a lot of work, but I am not a demo. I am not used to get stuff ready like that.

Anyway...too bad you can't make Mothers day/Father's day cards which would have been great. How about making a basic card where they choose the sentiment? Happy Birthday, Congrats, etc??? Each kid may have a different occasion to give someone the card

[allisonmatthias]

have them make cards for their coaches, baseball, football, etc.

[HeatherHolbrook]

I *have* been crazy enough to do this kind of thing before
First off keep it very simple, and make something very general like birthday or friendship. I would design 2 cards, one more feminine and one more masculine and let them choose which they want to make (a guy might want to make a pretty card for his girlfriend or masculine for a guy friend and vice versa) Pre-cut everything you can and set up stations or maybe give them each a packet of what they will need. If you could use some stickers instead of stamps kids (even teens) seem to like those more and they are alot less messy for you to clean up after. Also don't bring your favorite stamp set or brand new inks pad because they will not come back in good shape;)
Hope this helps, have fun!

[apigonfire]

More than likely, they will probably change the idea a bit. Either show them all how to do it at the beginning, or all have them do the same card at the same time passing the materials on as they finish. But, they will probably want to change things a bit... so, the station thing might work better.
Just a few thoughts..
~Kendra

[Anemone]

I teach junior high and my students, boys included, generally enjoy stamping. The one thing I have found which is generally a big hit with the boys, is any type of unusual card, especially motion ones. The one where you just punch the word window and use pennies & stamping dimensionals (I know it has a name, but my mind is drawing a blank!) so it rolls along the slit is a favourite every year. I generally find that a standard layout is best (meaning I can precut a lot of the paper/pieces), but I try to offer choice in paper & ink colour and stamps. I may also offer choice in embellishments (ie round or square brads or gold or silver). That way, they all get to choose and no two cards are alike BUT I don't have the headache of trying to do 15 different cards.