Looking for an art project for middle school special education students.?

Question

These student are mentally challenged not physical. Want to find something they can continue in their life to be self supporting. Any advice.

Answer 1

Get a loom and teach them to weave.  They can weave their own patterns or patterns that you design especially for them.

It will help small motor coordination, eye hand coordination, help them to learn to follow a pattern or specified set of instructions and give them a lot of self esteem and pride.

Answer 2

My students loved this project a while back.  First examine some prints of landscapes.  Point out that objects that are closest to you are larger than the ones further away.  Allow the students to cut out 4-8 pictures they might find in a landscape.  Assist them to arrange the pictures on a piece of paper.  Help them draw, paint, or stamp in extras to make it their own.  Stamps of wildlife (bunny, butterfly, etc) work well and are easy to create a scene with.  The project requires several hours to do - maybe two or three, but it teaches alot about art, preception and sorting out indoor vs. outdoor items.  Lots of opportunity for language growth.  Very relaxing work.  Great for a Thursday Friday project before a holiday.

If you are looking for something more simple.  Kids always love paint stamps.  Many times you can pick up a pack of small from Michael's for less than $3 or $4 and they will last a couple of years.

Answer 3

painting ceramic plates is fun. making bookmarks, coasters. these are all easy and some of them can be messy which is always fun.

Answer 4

i would tell them to make a volcanoe , cause  beinng good with your hands is a life skill

Answer 5

By self supporting, do you mean financially or self esteem wise?  Please clarify...

Answer 6

There is a center for people with mental disabilities near where I live and they actually sell their crafts. They do paintings, beading, sewing, knitting, crochet, woodwork, even glass mosaics.

I have worked with children a while, some with special needs and they have always like the ocean in a bottle craft.

http://www.showkidsthefun.com/activity/o...

I use baby oil with this craft. Glitter, beads, small toys...you will be surprised at what you can come up with. Here are some links also that have great crafts:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/

http://www.makingfriends.com/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/?source=topnv&...

I find it best, just to ask them what they want to try to do. And do what you can find that they are capable of. Good Luck!