Celestial Dreams Pencil Cup

1. Have students think of all the poems, artwork, and song lyrics about reaching for the stars. It is a powerful image! Does the expression inspire you to achieve? This pencil cup can help students keep their goals in mind.
2. Roll out enough black Crayola Model Magic® modeling compound to cover a plastic container with a thin layer. Decorate the celestial background any way you like. Here are a few ideas.
3. Partially mix small amounts of white and blue Model Magic® compound to create marbleized effects that you might see in space (perhaps planet Earth). Roll into small balls and press them onto the covered cup.
4. Roll out a thin sheet of white Model Magic® compound. Use Crayola Scissors to cut out stars. Attach these to the cup as well. Air-dry before filling with your markers, crayons, and colored pencils. Model Magic® dries to the touch overnight and dries completely in 2 to 3 days.

LA: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

LA: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

LA: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.

VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of ideas.

In small groups, students collect inspirational quotes/sayings. The group will select 6 sayings and define the meaning in each.

Invite a community leader to speak with the class about habits and strategies that helped them reach their goals. Prior to the visit, students will compose questions for the speaker. Students post observations to a class blog after the meeting.

In teams of two, students write original motivational sayings. Post all final sayings to a class bulletin board. As a whole class, discuss practices that students can put in place to remain motivated for success.