DIY- Fun Packets with Little Surprises

As many of you may know, I teach at the college level (Early Childhood Education) but still have the fun of working with the little ones when I volunteer as a reading specialist at a local school.  I am working with kindergarteners and 1st graders and LOVING every minute! 

I was delighted when I was asked by three other teachers in the school to read to their classes for "Love of Reading Week".   I always like to leave the kiddos with a little something like stickers or erasers.  What doesn't work for me is the process of the children trying to choose the eraser or sticker they want.  This can take FOREVER!  It drives me nuts. 

I decided to "hide" the options in cute little packets.   This way the selection process can go a lot faster (and have an element of surprise).   Here are the packets I made. 

First:  Cut scrapbook paper (12 x 12) into 3 rows that are 4 inches wide.  Cut each strip in half, resulting in 8 rectangles that measured 4 x 6 inches. 

Second: Use double-sided tape and placed a strip on one of the 4 inch ends.  Do this on the front of the paper.  (It's somewhat visible in the picture below).

Third:  Roll the paper (toilet paper roll style) adhering the front to the back utilizing the double- sided tape.

Fourth:  Apply hot glue (to one end of the tube) and use a paper crimper to close it tight.  

Fifth:  Fill each tube with either an eraser or a bouncy ball (or candy, or whatever) and hot glued the other end closed.

I was able to make 80- that's right 80 - of these cuties in about an hour and a half.  I will be reading to 4 classes so I need a bucket load of these.  The prized came from Target where the balls and erasers came in packages of 25 for $3.00.  As you can see this is a very inexpensive treat to offer the little ones.

I can't wait until Easter- I think I'm going to make some cute prize-filled baskets for my grandchildren.   Hummm - thinking about asking my daughter to hide one a day per child for the two weeks prior to Easter- just so they get a little practice hunting for goodies.  Oh - the possibilities for fun are endless :)

Hints:
1)  The balls are great prizes but don't package quite as nicely.  
2)  I did this assembly line style which makes it go VERY quickly.
3)  Paper crimpers are about $14.00.  Amazon has this one one sale for $11.00:  Fiskars 12-93408897 Paper Crimper This baby is well worth the price.

Have a great weekend!
Granny (Cindy)