English Language Arts: Applying Knowledge and Language Skills

K-12: Standard 6

• Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print texts.

K-12: Standard 12

• Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission.

Source: NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

Fine Arts: Visual Arts

K-4 Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.

K-4 Standard 3: Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols and Ideas

• Students select and use subject matter, symbols and ideas to communicate meaning.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Design creative fall wreaths to serve many purposes from researching fun facts about the fall to establishing reachable goals for the new year. Enrich language arts lessons with fall adjectives, adverbs, poetry or list of fall favorites. Consider this lesson as an ice-breaker where students write interesting facts, hobbies or interests about themselves on a wreath and hang from the class ceiling. This project will meet any need for a variety of fall festivities.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Note: This lesson can be created using either Ellison AllStar or SureCut Dies.

Supplies Used: Black Pen, Cardstock, Glue, 12" Ribbon, Scissors, Tape

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut the Maple Leaf from gold construction paper using the Wreath Fold.
2. To make a wreath, fold a square sheet of paper three times to form a triangle (Figure A). Place the closed point of the triangle down the center of the Maple Leaf design, keeping the folded edges of the paper inside the cutting edges of the Leaf die (Figure B). Place die rubber side down in machine and die-cut. Open the Leaf wreath.
3. Cut a circle of light orange paper large enough to cover the wreath opening. Center and adhere on top of the Leaf wreath, allowing the edges of the leaves to show (Figure C).
4. Die-cut the Maple Leaf from dark orange paper using the Wreath Fold, following the directions above.
5. Open the dark orange wreath and adhere on top of the light orange circle, arranging the points of the orange leaves to lie between the points of the gold leaves (Figure D).
6. Computer or hand print the title and facts.
7. Cut a 12" length of ribbon. Fold in half and adhere to the back of the wreath with tape (see Main Photo).