Basic Gluing

One of my favorite lessons on the shelves is 'Basic Gluing.'  I appreciate how the simplicity of the exercise not only directly promotes the skill of using glue, but also how the materials are utilized to indirectly prepare the child for reading and writing.  Each item has a specific purpose including the use of a Q-tip cut in half for glue application - I prefer this method over others because it allows the child more opportunities to refine their pincer grasp which is necessary for writing.  Additionally, they way in which the materials are placed at the workspace aids in training the child's eye movement in a left to right pattern, as in writing and reading.  The following illustrates the sequence of steps involved with the lesson of Basic Gluing.  For this month's gluing activity, I simply choose three contrasting colors and sizes of rectangles (red, yellow, and green) to glue onto brown paper. The child is free to use their creativity and demonstrate self-expression to create a unique craft while practicing basic gluing techniques.  As with all materials in the classroom, I demonstrate the lesson first and the child follows.  After this initial presentation, the child is free to use the materials again whenever they choose as long as the materials are not already in use in someone else.


This month's gluing materials on the shelf:  Three-sectioned acrylic container with varying rectangles (small, medium, large; green, yellow, red);  larger brown construction paper; on the clear tray with bottle of glue - one cup with small plastic condiment cups and one cup with Q-tips cut in half; pencil for writing name; white basket for collecting and transporting materials to table; underneath the basket: art mat (it's clear and hard to see in the picture...)

 The first thing the child does is choose two of each colored rectangles and places them into the white basket.  Next, they open the glue and squeeze a small amount into a small cup.  They put the glue (now in a cup) into the basket with a Q-tip.  Now, they take one piece of brown paper and place it in the basket.  Lastly, they bring the basket and the art mat to a place at a table to work.  Space permitting, I encourage the child to place the basket to the left of the workspace, again, to help them in working in a left to right pattern.


Here, the child has placed the basket to the left of the workspace and has begun the gluing process.  For some of the youngest members in our class, it is indeed a revelation to discover that, "glue makes things stick!"

Once the student is finished with their activity, they clean up their space and return any unused papers to the shelf along with the basket and art mat.  This way, the materials are ready for use by the next child who may want to use them.



Some children like to take their work home, while others enjoy seeing it in our hallway.



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