I am again amazed at the creativity that teens have when given freedom to use their minds. Kat had me bring in a lot of supplies for the teens to create Scrapbook Mobiles
as a reward for their volunteer work in the Summer Reading Game. I was concerned that I had misjudged what they'd like when Kat informed me that one of the volunteers didn't want to come because he didn't want to do the "craft". As everyone showed up, we invited them to get some pizza and visit for a bit. I invited the teens to get up and start creating, with little response. I started walking around the supply table commenting on the paper choices, what I'd use and how etc and soon I had an excited group of teens digging through paper choices, adhesives, cutters and the like. I also personally went over to invite the young man that didn't want to be there. He said no, so I left him alone for awhile. I approached him again and asked if he hated crafting. " No", he said," but I don't know what to do." I told him of some ideas I had and offered to help him get started. The top picture is his work in progress. Not only did he get very creative, we stayed late so that he could finish as much as possible. The other teens stayed later too, so they could finish. Extra supplies went home with everyone, and they commented on how they didn't think they'd really enjoy this, but they had a great time and thanked us. I have found that teens may not neccassarily know what they want, but given a "pile of stuff", they really do enjoy being creative. A little guidance goes a long way, and this program was definite hit. The teen who didn't want to be there, asked what we would do for crafts next year. Yes-a good day!
as a reward for their volunteer work in the Summer Reading Game. I was concerned that I had misjudged what they'd like when Kat informed me that one of the volunteers didn't want to come because he didn't want to do the "craft". As everyone showed up, we invited them to get some pizza and visit for a bit. I invited the teens to get up and start creating, with little response. I started walking around the supply table commenting on the paper choices, what I'd use and how etc and soon I had an excited group of teens digging through paper choices, adhesives, cutters and the like. I also personally went over to invite the young man that didn't want to be there. He said no, so I left him alone for awhile. I approached him again and asked if he hated crafting. " No", he said," but I don't know what to do." I told him of some ideas I had and offered to help him get started. The top picture is his work in progress. Not only did he get very creative, we stayed late so that he could finish as much as possible. The other teens stayed later too, so they could finish. Extra supplies went home with everyone, and they commented on how they didn't think they'd really enjoy this, but they had a great time and thanked us. I have found that teens may not neccassarily know what they want, but given a "pile of stuff", they really do enjoy being creative. A little guidance goes a long way, and this program was definite hit. The teen who didn't want to be there, asked what we would do for crafts next year. Yes-a good day!
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