moquilter

Pillows are great idea. You can get light colored squares of fabric (maybe cut from a worn out cotton shirt etc.) Use fabric markers and have each child draw a picture about a book that has been read to them. Sew squares together makes a great wall handing for the classroom, library, or hall way.

Everyone has an odd sock somewhere. Stuff with old washed hose or fiber fill. Have kids use tapestry needles with yarn sew top of sock closed. Turn cuff down to make a hat. Use fabric markers to draw eyes, nose and mouth. Result a soft play toy for a pet, baby sister or brother. couple with a story about a snow man..combines literature art etc.

Anything you do .. make sure you involve the room mothers of your PTA. I have tried these ideas in my 34 years of teaching. These projects can combine art and history and other studies. GOOD LUCK.

tdgiffin

Sock puppets. Have the kids bring in socks without mates, and any buttons that they may have laying around at home. Ask for ribbon and pom pons (kiss love those). Use fabric scraps and yarn to make hair, fur, ears, arms, ,ETS, tails, etc. Then have the kids make up their own puppet shows!

pal

$20 the last time I bought it - about a year ago.

illinois

If you want to incorporate the quilt theme, make the puzzle pieces into quilt block designs.

Lace strips of construction paper--like the potholders that are made on a loom with those stretchy bands.

When my kids were little, there were a lot of suggestions for inexpensive recycled games and toys that came from university extension. One was this idea gluing greeting cards onto cardboard and making puzzles. Another was to cut the top of gallon milk jugs at an angle so you preserve the handle. It takes 2 to make a game to toss a ball back and forth, catching the ball in the jug.

OmaForFour

I would have each student bring in at least one piece of cotton clothing no longer wanted (depends on size of class - you might have to add to this if you don't get enough).
Teach the kids to sew them together (or you do it while they watch), add batting, backing and binding. When all done, donate the quilt to the local hospital.
You now have taught the kids more than one important lesson.
You have shown them recycling, quilting and donating.

PaperPrincess

I get throw pillows at Salvation Army, remove the cover then reuse the form, but I actually like OmaForFour's idea of making a quilt to donate. You could sew and them have them tie it.

sherry mcd

Here are some thoughts: 1.How many students? 2. How much time allowed? 3.How many helpers? 4. Can each child afford even an old Teeshirt? 5. Can they use scissors?(first grade scissors barely cut paper) could the shirts be cut out at home 6. How patient are you working with this age group? 7.Is the teacher on board? 8. Could 5th graders come and act as helpers? Please keep us posted. Sherry

Daisydoodle

Plastic bags might be a problem with washing and dryer! These are for 6 year olds and will get washed alot.

Mamacat

I did this with a group of women who did not sew. Have the kids bring any solid color piece of clothing. Buy some stencils with a theme (seaside, animals, ocean,you get the idea)and buy fabric paint.Cut the fabric into squares (8 to 10 inch is good)and let the kids paint a square with the stencils. Of course the paint has to dry for 24 hours, then you take the squares and use sashing to sew them together to make a quilt top, wall hanging (for the classroom)or pillow top. It will mean a lot more to them to see their square. I did quilts for a childrens home and used twin sheets (the flat sheet for the back and the fitted sheet I cut the sashing)

Mona Marie

Why not have the girls bring in an old pair of jeans and make purses from them? use the legs as the straps.