During the first math classes at Stuart, students of Mr. McHale’s class took some time to craft colorful paper octopuses. Down in room L17 attendees of Daniel McHale’s class finished reviewing their summer work early, so the teacher invited them to cut up some scrap paper and use it to create octopuses. 

It was a fun new craft to do for the first days on September 7 and 8, so students were more than happy to participate. 

“It was very entertaining– I enjoyed myself,” commented Samantha, an attendee of the class. Doing a simple craft like this lessened the tension of starting a new math unit, and it also created a way for students to get to know each other.  

The octopuses themselves are a tradition that Mr. McHale has done with many classes before coming to Stuart.

 “I’ve been doing them for awhile, I like them,” commented McHale during the class. 

Some may argue that spending class time on arts and crafts is a waste, but this isn’t always the case. For a first day back there isn’t a better way to be rewarded after finishing the summer review.