Had a great idea this morning for the end of term, that will involve using technology to make a traditional gift, through 2Simples Online Tools via our Learning Platform.
In class we have already made some Christmas Lanterns (see the animoto of the children's work here), and still have snowglobes and tree decorations to make, but I also want the children to make a small, decorated box that they can take home, put some sweets (or chocolates in) and then give to their parents or siblings.
I was thinking how to make a template for the box that I could then print out in advance, (so that the children could then decorate it) cut it out and stick together when I realised I had the tools on the school website already.
2Design&Make, from 2Simple in their Online Tools suite is perfect for this. The children can start with the simple "polygon" shape;
They can then alter it to a shape they like, colour it, then print it out as a net. As the net includes tabs, they can then stick it together, form their 3D box, add some Christmas stickers and sparkle, then throw some shredded paper into it and it's ready to go home.
A great, straight forward activity (and one they can then repeat at home if they wish to make more boxes).
The only problem I have noted is that the top of the shape cannot be used as the box lid (it does not have tabbed connections to the side), so the bottom of the shape must be designed as the top of the box. A little bit confusing, but once explained to the class I'm sure they'll cope with it. (As you can see in the images above and below, the light blue "top" is connected to the sides, and so the dark green "base" will need to be used as the open top.
