Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will create unique Halloween decorations using old plastic coffee containers. They will learn how to paint, cut, and draw on the containers to transform them into spooky or fun decorations for the Halloween season.

Materials and Prep

• Old plastic coffee containers (washed and dried)
• Non-toxic acrylic paint (various colors)
• Paintbrushes (different sizes)
• Permanent markers or Sharpies
• Scissors (adult supervision recommended)
• Paper towels (for cleaning up)
• Old newspaper or cardboard (to protect surfaces)

Before starting, ensure that the workspace is set up with old newspaper or cardboard to protect the surfaces. Discuss safety when using scissors, and remind the student to be careful while cutting.

Activities

• Design Planning:

  Have the student sketch out their ideas for Halloween decorations on paper. They can choose to create ghosts, pumpkins, or other spooky characters. This will help them visualize their final product.

• Painting the Containers:

  Using the non-toxic acrylic paint, the student will paint the exterior of the coffee containers. Encourage them to use different colors and techniques, like sponging or layering, to add texture and depth to their designs.

• Adding Details:

  Once the paint is dry, the student can use permanent markers to draw on facial features or other decorative elements. This is a great opportunity for them to get creative and personalize their decorations.

• Cutting and Shaping:

  With adult supervision, the student can carefully cut shapes into the containers, such as eyes or mouths, to create lanterns or spooky faces. They can also cut the top off to make a pumpkin or other designs.

• Display and Celebrate:

  Once the decorations are complete, help the student find a place to display their creations. They can set them up around the house or in the yard to celebrate Halloween!

Talking Points

• "What kind of Halloween decorations do you like? Let's think about how we can use these containers to create something fun!"
• "Remember, we can paint and draw on the containers to make them look special. What colors do you think would be spooky?"
• "When using scissors, we need to be very careful. Always cut away from your body and ask for help if you need it!"
• "What shapes do you want to cut out? Think about how we can make our decorations look even creepier!"
• "Once we're done, we can display our decorations and show them off! How do you want to set them up?"
• "Creating decorations is a great way to express your creativity. What ideas do you have that we can try?"
• "Let's make sure to clean up our workspace when we're finished. Why is it important to keep our area tidy?"
• "What would happen if we mixed colors while painting? Let’s experiment and see what new colors we can create!"
• "Do you think we can turn these containers into something that tells a story? What story do you want to tell with your decorations?"
• "Halloween is all about fun and creativity! What do you think your friends will say when they see your creations?"