Spools of fun!

Cardboard spools are such a fun resource to upcycle into all kinds of uses in the preschool classroom. The children and I started saving different sizes of cardboard spools about half-way into our school year and once we had a nice collection, we put them to good use…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

When I say I collected all sizes of cardboard spools, I mean ALL sizes including these really big cardboard spools I found at our local box recycle place. There were six very large spools in all that someone dropped off so I gathered them up to add to our spool collection…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

The rest of the cardboard spools I saved were mostly empty ribbon spools…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

Now that we had a nice collection of cardboard spools it was time to put them to good use. One of our first uses was to engineer up a fun painting process. The children made their own paint rollers by pushing a small dowel rod through the center of one or more spools…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

Once their paint rollers were put together, then the children rolled the spools through paint…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

And then rolled their spools on paper…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

This process is a great way to bring STEAM into the classroom as it combines the engineering of a painting tool with the creative art experience of painting with the painting tool…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

For some of the children, the engineering aspect was what they found most interesting while others looked forward to the painting process…

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

I have some more ideas to share with you on how we used both our big spools and small spools as tools in the classroom so be sure to check back!

Spools of Fun by Teach Preschool

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Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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