Who knew a jar with some popsicle sticks inside could completely change any activity, classroom, or home? Here you will find a list of 13 different ways to utilize these two simple supplies to bust boredom, add equity, and create an element of surprise for kids and adults alike! The beauty of this trick is that not only do you need minimal supplies to reach new levels of interest and excitement but it can also be utilized in a number of different ways!
1. Chore Sticks
Simply print and stick the included chores to the sticks, and then your child can choose a stick to decide which chore they’ll start with first! Or, take turns with a sibling so they aren’t forced to do the same chores every time!
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2. Summer/Breaktime/Weekend Boredom Busters
We all know those famous words from our kids… “I’m Bored!” Help break that cycle using a list of activities transferred to popsicle sticks so kids can just draw one to decide how to kill their boredom.
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3. Date Night Surprise
Decorate sticks with washi tape and use some Elmer’s glue to adhere date ideas to them. This helps couples, or friends, try out new activities.
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4. Affirmation Jar
Add washi tape and some paint to jazz up a plain old jar and then write positive affirmations on popsicle sticks. Your students can pull one out when they’re having a bad to help remind themselves, or others, that they are worthy and loved.
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5. 365 Reasons I Love You
Kick this sweet and thoughtful gift idea up a notch by writing the reasons you love someone on 365 popsicle sticks so they can draw one each day as a reminder of why they’re loved. No hot glue gun is necessary for this simple and sweet idea!
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6. Equity Sticks
Keep students by name or number on a stick and use them to call on the learners during class discussions to keep all kids focused and engaged in circle time activities, classroom conversation, and more!
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7. Brain Breaks
Students need brain breaks in the classroom to help keep them focused and get their wiggles out. Switch up your routine and have these activity ideas ready to go on popsicle sticks to help keep it interesting!
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8. Advent Blessings Jar
Take the traditional advent calendar and turn it into a fun holiday family activity. This one is decorated with washi tape. Write things you are thankful for on a stick, draw one daily, and then count how many of those things you have in your life.
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9. Conversation Starters
Looking to connect a little more at dinner with your kids and family? Add some interesting topics and conversation starters to your popsicle stick using a label maker or a pen and keep the conversation flowing!
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10. Circle Time SEL Sticks
Teachers often begin their days with circle time. This small chunk of time includes conversations around important topics, calendars, and social-emotional learning. Using a jar of sticks to decide the topic of what social-emotional idea you will be learning is a fun and easy way to hit important topics over time.
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11. Charades
The classic game of charades gets an upgrade- and doubles as a craft! Write down the actions the performers are to carry out, and then pop them into the jar to draw throughout the game!
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12. Prayer Jar
If you are a religious person, then this one is for you. Using double-stick tape and some ribbon, jazz up your jar and add some things to your sticks to pray about, pray for, or say a thank you for. This jar will help you focus on the blessings in your life and serve as a reminder to pray.
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13. Travel Jar
Whether you want a staycation, a long or short road trip, you should jot down all of your ideas and put them on popsicle sticks so that when you have the opportunity, you can hit all of those bucket list locations as well!
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