"Souper" Writing Prompt Activities

1-2-3 Come Do Some "Souper" Craftivities With Me

This "craftivity" packet is very versatile. I have templates that you can use at the end of the school year, where students write about the"souper" summer they are looking forward to, or the "souper" year they had; or they can make one for your next year's kiddos explaining why they are going to have a "souper" year in __________ grade.

Simply run off which ever pattern you need. Students color the template and then trace it on a sheet of construction paper.

I used red to blend in with the soup can, but you could offer a variety of colors.

This will become the "inside" section of the can where they'll complete the writing prompt and then "hinge" it at the top with a small piece of tape or a staple, in such a way that it flips up to reveal what they wrote.

If you've incorporated the popular "Bucket Fillers" program in your classroom, the "souper" compliment flip up or windsock, fits in nicely, and goes a long way in building a child's self-esteem. For this prompt, I prefer the windsock as it's a nice way to review the 3D cylinder shape as well as ABAB patterning.

Here's How To Make One:

I didn’t have a big sheet of red construction paper, so I had to tape two smaller ones together. The “compliment strips” are the width of a ruler and the length of the paper. I chose two colors for more pop, as well as a way to review a color pattern.

Students each get a stack of 10 strips (5 of each color). Have them glue the strips to the bottom of their large sheet of paper that has their soup can glued to the front. I left 1/2 an inch of space in between the strips.

Put students in groups of 9. Review what an adjective is and then brainstorm nice things (compliments) that they could write about each other.
Children write something about themselves on one of the strips, and then pass their paper to the next person.

Passing continues within the group ’til everyone has written something on each person’s windsock. The teacher visits each group and writes something for each child on the 10th strip.

Students gently curve their flat “souper can” into a cylinder shape and staple the ends together. Punch a hole on either side, attach a 12 inch piece of yarn and dangle from the ceiling.

Having students make a windsock for your next year's kiddos would also make a wonderful back-to-school welcome display. After the first day, take them down and pass them out to your new students. They read and share with the class. Hopefully these will help ease first day jitters and get your students excited about the year ahead.

Finally, to help celebrate special holidays, there are patterns for a "souper" mom or dad, as well as one they can make for Grandparent's Day, plus a blank one to fill in with whatever.