How to Create a Bookshelf for a School Auction Project

Many schools are turning to auctions as fundraisers. They ask each classroom to come up with a special project on which parents can bid. The classroom bookshelf is an easy way to raise a lot of money for your classroom.

The classroom bookshelf project

The bookshelf will be painted in such as way as to reflect a theme. Do individual handprints in a pattern. Create creepy crawlies and plants with fingerprints. Use stencils to create beach scenes.

Each child must contribute in some way to the decoration of the bookshelf. It does not need to be perfect, as it is created by children. Then, somewhere on the shelf, each child should sign his or her name. Signatures can go on the back or next to a handprint or decoration. Include teacher names and school year dates.

Materials required for a classroom bookshelf

An unfinished bookshelf is the best to use, as it will be easier to paint. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can find a parent who is able to build one for you for a fraction of the price. The design can be simple, with two or three shelves, to stay within budget.

Acrylic paints work best for decoration. A robin's egg blue makes for a great background color, as it allows the decorations to pop. Use the colors of the rainbow for your decorations. Paper plates make for good palettes. Use sponges or paintbrushes to cover children's hands with paint.

Acrylic paints are not washable, so children must wear aprons or smocks. Keep plenty of sponges and buckets of soapy water handy for clean up.

Permanent markers can be used to add detail to decorations and for children to sign their names when finished.

Use a few coats of an acrylic finishing spray to seal and protect the painted bookshelf.

How parents can help

Room parents are there to assist the teacher in any way needed. Enlist their help to create the bookshelf project during class free time. If they do not feel crafty enough to pull it off, they can find volunteers to help them. Parents can also be in charge of rounding up all necessary supplies.

Filling the bookshelf

The bookshelf becomes more valuable if it has something in it. Ask children to bring in a copy of their favorite book. They can choose if it is a new copy, or literally a gently used copy from their personal bookshelves. Then, each child could write a generic message in it, such as, "To My Friend, From Abigail." Get children excited by reading each donation aloud as it arrives.

Some parents will not want or will not be able to afford to donate a book. Make this part completely voluntary.

By making the entire class work on the project, it will become more valuable as a keepsake. Parents will clamor to have it in their child's room.