Shrinky Dinks

Materials: “Shrinky Dinks” (can be purchased from most craft stores), Colored Pencils, Small Magnets (one for each student), Access to an oven.

1. You will cut each 8x10 inch paper into quarters (the number of sheets you will need depends on the number of students you have—plan ahead for new students!). Your squares should be approximately 4x5 inches.
   
   
2. Trace a head and shoulders on each piece of “Shrinky Dinks” paper.
   
   
3. Have students color their heads (eyes, nose, mouths, hair, glasses, etc.) and shoulders with colored pencils.
   
   
4. Cut out shapes.
   
   
5. Bake as directed on the “Shrinky Dinks” package. Each “Shrinky Dinks” will shrink to approximately 1.5 inches tall and transforms into a thick piece of plastic.
   
   
6. Their name is written on the bottom of their “Shrinky Dinks.”
   
   
7. Glue a magnet on the back of each.

How they are used:
These magnets are so fun and can be great tools in creating class graphs! In our room, each morning presents a new question of the day, which students answer by moving their magnet. In the beginning, we create the graph for the students to complete, but as the year moves along, students begin to create their own, unique survey questions.

As a part of our morning ritual, we have a conversation about the graph, during which we make true statements. For example, “The difference between those who like Magic Tree House and those who like Mercy Watson is 8. I know that because…”

Bonus!: When children move their magnets each morning as they check in, attendance can easily be taken! Another great way for students to be independent!

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Creative by Markquart Designs