Spacie The Space Alien

When writing a sentence, my Y5's have difficulty remembering to put an appropriate space between each word.  When I taught kindergarten and even first grade, this was still a problem for many of my students.

So that they would have enough space, I told students to simply put their pinkie finger after the word, and then begin the next word beside their finger.

This helped a few students, but it wasn't until I made "Spacie" that making a space between words with an object, became a "fun" thing to do, easy to remember and helped show them the correct space needed between words in an encouraging way.  

My students simply choose a "space alien" named Spacie when they are writing a sentence, and place it between their words.

You can make a class set to be used every year, or you can make each of your students one as a special "writing gift" when you begin teaching that lesson.

Here's How:

• Use 3  3/4 length wooden clothespins that are flat and pre-painted.
• Using a toothpick and Elmer's Wood Glue put 2 dots of glue where you want to place 2 tiny wiggle eyes.

•  Put the wiggle eyes on the drops of glue.
• Draw on a big smile with a black, fine-point Sharpie and you're done.

• If you want to give one to each of your students, write their name on the back with the Sharpie.
• Use a silver Sharpie for the purple clothespins.

•  If you can't find pre-painted clothespins, you may want to opt for your students to make and paint their own Spacie, as a fun center activity.
• Painting just the top-front of the clothespin will expedite things.
  
• Spacie looks OK as plain wood if you don't want to hassle with painting.
  

Remind your students not to pick at the eyes, as they will come off.

I think the wiggle eyes really make "Spacie" look like a goofy little alien space creature, but you can also expedite things by simply using a Sharpie and drawing on the eyes.

Kingbridge International is a large wholesale company in California.  They provide stores with "Dollar Day Deals".

I found the pack pictured at Staples Office Supply, (there's 12 in a pack), but Target,  JoAnn Fabrics, and Michaels Crafts all offer Dollar Deals from some company or another.

I've also found clothespins at The Dollar Store, Big Lots, and the Dollar & More stores.

Click on the link for a large clothespin site that lists a variety of companies you can buy the flat clothespins from; however, they are not painted. 

A down side to ordering Online is paying for shipping.

You could get together with other teachers if they want to make Spacies for their students too, and then split the cost of freight.

I hope you have enjoyed this series of back-to-school articles.  Here in Michigan, we start public school the Tuesday after Labor Day.  

I wish everyone a safe and relaxing weekend and a super new school year!

As always, if you have a tip you'd like to share with us, I'd enjoy hearing from you! diane@teachwithme.com