I really enjoy this activity. I mean, really. The kids bring in a can.  They have no idea why.  I preface the lesson with something to affect of, “Just remember, no matter how fun the activities we do, they almost always have a purpose.”

I hand them a strip of paper the size of a can label.  They are to draw either one eye or a set of eyes onto the label, and then color and decorate the rest of the label however they want.  We then glue the labels on, and begin the real discussion.  I ask them what they think the purpose of the activity is.  There’s always the default answer:

“A pencil can.”

“You’re watching us.”

This year I even got one that made me melt a little, “Keep an eye out for each other.”

All of them very valid responses.  I transition into some of the brain puzzlers we’re all familiar with:

Man overboard. Read between the lines.  Immediately a hand shot up.

“I can”

Yes!  This project will sit here in our classroom for the remainder of the school year constantly reminding us of the attitude we will have.  No matter how tough the reading.  no matter how hard the math, those eyes will always be looking down upon us, reminding us:

“I CAN!”