Memorable Mother’s Day gift helps students put moms in the spotlight
May 5
Each year, “Time” magazine publishes an issue recognizing an inspiring individual as the “Time” Person of the Year. Inspired by this tradition and a video I came across online, my students took a heartfelt and meaningful approach, shifting the spotlight from global figures to everyday heroes just in time for Mother’s Day.
We accomplished this special tribute to our moms in a few simple steps, using materials we already had on hand.
Here are four steps to make this memorable Mother’s Day gift:
1. Craft a rough draft. Show students a few “Time” magazine covers so that they understand the concept we are mocking up. Provide an essay prompt for them, for example: Why should your mom be chosen as the Person of the Year?
2. Construct a final draft. Use the writing process your students are familiar with, and when they get to the final draft stage, have them write on special, lined paper that will go inside their “magazine.” I debated on having them type the final draft, but decided their handwriting would be more special as a gift to their moms. I found unique writing paper online, then printed out pages for my students to write on, but even just lined paper in their best writing would suffice.
3. Create the cover. I used Canva to draft up a mock-up of a “Time” magazine cover, leaving space for students to draw images of their moms. Depending on the age of your students, they can even design the entire cover themselves. I gave them creative rights when it came to drawing their moms and gave very little instruction. I simply told them to draw their moms on the cover and write the author’s name (theirs) so that I can glue a picture of them above their names. Their drawings were all very unique.
4. Put the magazine together. I folded a large piece of red construction paper in half. Inside, I stapled their final drafts, and on the outside, their cover page. So simple, yet they came out looking amazing!
Here are some examples of what your students’ final projects could look like:
What are some of your go-to Mother’s Day projects for the classroom? Share your ideas with us on the Arizona PBS Kids Facebook page!
About the author
Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (7). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent over 10 years educating third graders, with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.
