Counting - Count the wrappers. Tally how many in the whole class.
Sets - Make sets with the wrappers.
Sorting - Sort the wrappers. What’s the sorting rule? Can they regroup them?
Graphing - Use the wrappers to graph their favorite candy bar.
Nutrition - Look at the food value on each wrapper. How many calories? How much sugar? Rank the candies by calories.
Vocabulary - Find descriptive words on the wrappers. Make a list of the words and use them in sentences.
Writing - Fold 2 sheets of paper in half and staple to make a book. Children write “I like…” at the top of each page and glue a candy wrapper underneath. This is a book every child in your room can read! Older children could write descriptive sentences about each candy.
Alphabet Letters - Use the wrappers to make a class book called “The Sweet ABC’s.” Write alphabet letters on 26 sheets of paper. Children glue their wrappers to the appropriate letter. Bind pages together to make a book.
Hint! If you don’t have a wrapper for each letter, let children suggest “sweet” words for the page.
Money - Glue candy wrappers to a file folder. Write a coin value by each wrapper. Children count out the appropriate amount and place it on the wrapper.
Hint! For young children, price the candies from 1 cent to 10 cents and give them pennies. Make the amounts higher for older students.
Art - Let children use wrappers to make a collage.
Finally, take advantage of this “teachable moment” by discussing why sugar is not good for their bodies. What happens if you eat too much sugar? Make a list of healthy snacks that would be better food choices.