3 oz. Paper Cups...

Being a kindergarten teacher, in a public school district, I often look for deals when I come up with some awesome lesson and need supplies. Other times, I do not (ask my husband!). Back in December or January (I honestly cannot remember), I ran to Target and picked up a box of 3 oz. Dixie cups adorned with various animals, and a large bag of M&M's. Usually, my classroom does not have treats within the perimeters, but this was for a graphing activity- and let's be honest- 5 year old's are are highly motivated by small colored treats. Twenty minutes after I filled twenty four 3 oz. cups, taught the lesson, and distributed the cups the activity was over. I tucked the cups into an overcrowded cabinet in my closet and went on with our day. 

The 100th Day of Kindergarten came in mid-February. My students were beyond excited to celebrate being in school 100 days (even though I miscounted and we celebrated 100th day two days earlier- 98 days also rocks, right?!), and ANY activity I came up with, that pertained to the magnificent number 100, was highly popular.  Going through my closet to gather 'activity supplies,' I came across that same box of cups. I quickly counted out 100 cups, raised my voice to sound like a high school cheerleader, and said "Look! We can build towers and castles out of 100 cups!!!!" My students were immediately hooked and are still building with those same 100 cups. See below, while hazy, it captures what is still being built in my classroom during Choice Centers most days:

These cups have made numerous appearances since that day they made their debut as a play manipulative. We have used them to hold paint, scoop dirt, hold water to clean paint brushes, hold water for a thirsty kiddo, and the list goes on (undocumented via photo). But most recently, my students planted bean, pea pod, and marigold seeds with soil and water in these tiny wonders. Those 3 oz. cups are now filled with soil and seeds, perched in a very sunny window, and spritzed daily with hopes that SOMETHING grows in them. Once something begins to grow in them, my amazing students will take these little plants home to give to mom to celebrate Mother's Day. Now, they just need to start growing. I have had persistent dreams nightmares that these dang seeds do not sprout!!!

So, needless to say, I had no idea one box of 3 oz. cups could provide so much entertainment for my students, and well, let's be honest, myself. I think I have 10 cups left, and for around $4.00 I can handle buying more for my 24 little explorers.