Boomerang - August 2021 by Hancock Health

BoomeranG BACK TO SCHOOL

YOUR PLACE FOR FUN, GAMES & MORE.

ISSUE #13 • AUG 2021

GET READY TO PUT THE “COOL” IN SCHOOL!

IN THIS ISSUE 04 THE 411 FROM YOUR FRIENDS

Area kids talk "back to school"

06 SCHOOL-DAY CHECKLIST Put your best foot forward this school year!

08 BUT … WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE SCHOOL? It’s OK. Let’s talk about it!

10 COPING WITH STRESS It’s OK not to be OK! PLUS: 12 WELL, THAT WAS WEIRD BACK TO SCHOOL AFTER A PANDEMIC 16 WHAT, ME WORRY? YOUR STOMACH HURTS + YOU HAVE A HEADACHE + YOU MIGHT THROW UP = TEST ANXIETY

18 MAKE SOME YUMMY CEREAL BARS 20 A DIY PENCIL CASE 22 HANK'S BACK-TO-SCHOOL WORD SEARCH 22 BOOKSHELF 23 GAMES

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HANCOCK KIDS SHARE ADVICE FOR GOING BACK TO SCHOOL It’s back-to-school season, and students around the country are gearing up for the new year. From classes to friendships and everything in between, Hancock County

BACK-TO-SCHOOL “Try your best at school and you will succeed.” -Kaden F. “Listen to your teachers and treat them with respect. It does not matter if other kids call you a ‘teacher’s pet.’ Focus on your learning, and teachers will appreciate you.” -Lily S. “Sharpen your pencils every day before school.” -Connor R. & Joel R. “Sit down on the school bus to stay safe.” -Michael J. “Get an organizer for your desk at school or at home. It will help you keep your school supplies organized.” -Bailey T.

kids share their advice for the 2021-2022 school year. Here are their back-to-school do’s and don’ts.

“Look both ways when crossing the street by school.” -Gabby P. “Eat breakfast and brush your teeth before school. And sleep in on the weekends.” -Graham W.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL “Don’t bully others. Be kind to everyone instead.” -Aleah F. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you need help!” -Zoe F. “Don’t hang out with the wrong people. Surround yourself with good friends.” -Brook F. “Don’t forget your locker combo. Try to memorize it or write it down in your planner.” -Kaitlyn G. “Don’t get the breakfast sandwich at school. Get the powdered donuts instead.” -Jaden C. This school year, put your best foot forward by listening in your classes, making new friends, and being yourself. If you ever feel stuck, remember these back-to-school tips and tricks. Have a great year! 04

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BACK IN THE SCHOOL-DAY GROOVE

Going back to school this year is probably causing some nervous jitters.

Unwind 30 minutes before bed

And after returning from

and ready to take on the day!

Introduce yourself to your

Having trouble falling asleep? Try

teachers to start off on the right

listening to soft music or reading

foot. As you start the new school

a book to unwind. If you’ve been

year, be sure to chat with your

staying up late all summer long,

teachers. Introduce yourself and

try going to bed earlier the week

tell them what you’re excited for

before school starts to readjust

this school year. You’ll make

your body’s sleep schedule.

a good impression and build

a weird couple of years due to the pandemic, now more than ever, preparing ahead of time is a must. Here are some things you can do to prepare and make your return to school go off without a hitch. Lay out your clothes and school supplies so they’re ready to go. Preparing the night before will save you time (and stress) in the morning. Spend some time picking out an outfit that you like or gather your school uniform and lay it out beside your bed so you can quickly get dressed before school. Choose clothes or add accessories to your uniform that make you feel comfortable and confident. Don’t forget to pack your backpack so there’s no lastminute panic!

and try to get eight hours of sleep. Turn off all electronics about half an hour before bedtime to help your mind and body calm down. Go to bed early enough to give yourself a full night’s rest. This way, you’ll wake up refreshed

a connection with your teachers Talk to a parent, guardian or

right from the start.

friend if you’re feeling nervous. It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious or nervous as you return to school. Whether a

ENJOY YOURSELF!

close friend or family member, try talking to someone you trust.

Have fun, make new friends and

Chat with them about how you’re

stay true to you! The first few

feeling and listen to any words

days of school can be stressful,

of encouragement they share.

but try to make the most of it!

You don’t have to bottle up your

Use this opportunity to have fun,

feelings; lean on those close

reconnect with old friends and

to you!

make some new ones, too. The first day of school can

Eat a nutritious and filling

be enjoyable!

breakfast. Start your day off right by eating a healthy, balanced

Now you’re ready to start the year

breakfast. This will give you

off right! By putting your best

the energy you need to make it

foot forward, you’re setting the

through the day, while improving

tone for a great school year. Don’t

your ability to stay focused during

forget to work hard, have fun and

class. If you feel too nervous to

make the most of your time.

eat, try to at least have a slice of toast or piece of fruit. This will help your brain stay alert until lunchtime.

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I’M I’M HAVING HAVING A A HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO NO GOOD GOOD SCHOOL SCHOOL DAY DAY What to do if you’re not loving school.

BY KATHRYN HOFFSES, PHD, KIDS HEALTH, NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HEALTH

FEELING BETTER ABOUT SCHOOL

I hate school, and I’m not going

Having trouble sleeping is also

Sometimes it’s a problem with

Another good idea is to write

back! Have you ever had that

a sign of stress. And if you’re

your classes and schoolwork.

down your feelings about school

thought? Lots of kids do. Usually,

not getting enough sleep, you

Maybe the work is too easy, and

in a journal. You can use a journal

this feeling doesn’t last long. But

probably feel grouchy and tired

you get bored. Or maybe the work

or diary or just write in an ordinary

disliking school, try this:

what happens if you feel this way

during the day. Feeling tired can

is too hard, or you don’t feel as

notebook. It’s a great way to let

•

First, write down everything

too much? School is a fact of life,

make your school day seem

smart as the other kids. Reading

out emotions that may be stuck

you don’t like about school.

and getting an education can

even worse.

or math may be difficult for you,

inside you. And you don’t have

•

Then make a list of the good

but you’re expected to do a lot

to share what you’ve written

things you enjoy (even if it’s

If you’re stressed out, you

of it. You may be getting further

with others.

only recess and lunch, that’s

might have a hard time making

and further behind, and it seems

a start!).

So, let’s talk about school and

decisions. In the morning, you

like you’ll never catch up. Maybe

If you feel disorganized or like

•

Now, what can you

what to do when you don’t like it.

can’t decide what to eat, what to

you’re dealing with worries, stress

you can’t keep up with your

change on the “don’t like”

wear or what to pack for lunch.

or problems that make it hard to

schoolwork, your teachers and

list? Would remembering

You don’t want to go to school,

concentrate on schoolwork.

school counselors want to help.

to do your homework help

you feel more confident

if you’re called on in class?

Can you get help with

schoolwork that’s hard? Who

can you talk to about a worry

or problem you’re dealing

help you build the kind of future life you want.

SIGNS OF SCHOOL STRESS When you worry about school, it can affect your body. A kid who feels stressed about school might have headaches or stomachaches. You might feel “butterflies” or like you have to throw up.

so you put off getting your stuff

Teachers want and expect you

together. And now you’re not

When you stop to think about why

to ask for help when you have

prepared to go to school, and

you don’t like school, you

trouble learning. If all of your

you’ve just missed the bus —

can start taking steps to make

subjects seem really hard, a

again! Staying home may seem

things better.

school counselor can help you

The next time you find yourself

like a good choice, but it just

sort things out. Special help with

with? Could you find a way

makes it harder to go to school

schoolwork is available if you

to show off your special

need it. Try not to let the problems

interests and talents? If you

go on too long. It’s easier to catch

made just one new friend,

up on one chapter than the

would you feel less alone?

whole book!

If you helped someone else

the next day. Ack!

FINDING HELP It’s a good idea to talk to someone about your problems

WHY DO SOME KIDS DISLIKE SCHOOL?

with school. Your mom, dad, relative, teacher or school

feel less alone, would you

If you don’t like school, the first

counselor will be able to help you.

feel even better? Which

step is finding out why. You might

It’s especially important to tell an

activities could you try that

not like school because a bully

adult if the problem is that you’re

would help you meet

is bothering you or because a

being bullied or someone hurts

new friends?

kid you don’t like wants to hang

you physically.

around with you. Or maybe you

Of course, you might not be

don’t get along with your teacher.

able to change everything on

You might feel different or worry

your “don’t like” list. A bully may

that you don’t have enough friends.

not simply disappear. Reading may always be a challenge. But that’s OK. Focus on what you can change, and you might be able to put the cool back in school!

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EVERYONE EXPERIENCES STRESS IN THEIR LIVES.

WAYS TO COPE

WRITE OR DRAW:

School stress is no fun, but there

stress, so you don’t have to keep

is good news: There are ways

your feelings bottled up inside.

to cope! Fun activities such as making crafts or riding your bike help to relieve tension and improve your mood. Here are several fun and easy methods to help you relax when you feel tense.

Stress HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME AND HOW CAN I COPE?

in their lives. It’s the body’s

YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

natural response to challenging

Biologically speaking, stress is

or demanding circumstances.

meant to help you deal with life-

While we all feel the physical

or-death situations. This fight-or-

and emotional impacts of stress

flight response causes a shift in

on our lives, stress can manifest

hormones, including the release

itself in different ways for

of cortisol and adrenaline, which

different people. For instance, as

elevates your blood pressure and

a kid, you experience different

heart rate, which is beneficial in

stresses than your parents, such

short-term situations to keep you

as worrying about doing well in

safe. But if that stress response is

school, maintaining relationships

always “on,” it can lead to short-

with siblings and peers or fears

and long-term problems with your

about your family’s financial

physical and mental health.

Everyone experiences stress

situation. All of this is normal, but if stress is not handled properly, it can have harmful effects on your overall well-being. Here is how stress affects your physical and mental health, including several ways for reducing stress when

Journaling, coloring or doing something creative is a helpful way to express your feelings. Write about the things you are stressed about or release tension through the relaxing act of drawing or craft-making. These activities provide an outlet for

LET YOUR FEELINGS OUT: Sometimes the best stress reliever is to let your feelings out. Find a trusted parent, guardian or friend and have a chat. Allow

GET OUTSIDE AND EXERCISE:

yourself to laugh, cry or express

Regular exercise is one of the best

emotions while in a safe place.

ways to manage stress. Whether

anger when you need to. This is a healthy way to release your

bike-riding, playing a sport or

DO SOMETHING FUN:

going on a walk, getting your body

When you’re feeling stressed,

moving is a great way to clear

take some time to enjoy a

your head and blow off steam.

favorite hobby of yours. Perhaps

Plus, your body will thank you for

you like to read, bake or play

the exercise!

an instrument. Dig into a book you’ve been wanting to read, try baking a new recipe or spend time improving your guitar skills. Doing something fun like a hobby can be a great way to improve your mood and clear your mind. Looking for a new hobby? Try volunteer work in your community! By helping those around you, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for your community, while putting a smile on someone else’s face.

it arises. 10

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T O G E T H E R

t’s been a weird year plus, right?

just couldn’t have been predicted.

times a day. In fact, you may get to

School has been weird, too.

And honestly, such changes probably

be a part of that in your individual

You may have ping-ponged

aren’t done. You want to go back

space or classroom! Routines have

between going to school, to going to

to NORMAL school, but normal school

been put in place by the people who

the kitchen table for school, to going

isn’t a sure thing. And that can

know the best way to protect you, and

back to school in a whole new way:

be scary.

it won’t be long before you’re a pro at

together, but separated; shortened schedules; no fun recess time; and

There will be the old worries of school

constant temperature checks and

— making new friends, fitting in,

Remember, everyone is in the exact

hand sanitizer. Or, you may have

stressing over tests, hating homework

same place as you. Teachers, aides,

stayed home to learn from the minute

— and plenty of new ones, like leaving

administrators, cafeteria workers

COVID became a thing. Some kids

home after a year and a half. If you’re

AND classmates. You may feel unique

loved that; others, not so much.

a kid who’s not feeling so happy to go

in your concerns, but you’re not.

back to school at school, we’ve got

This year will be new in ALL ways to

some helps to ease your mind.

EVERYbody. And everyone will work

Now that you are back to school, you may be feeling many things:

the new normal.

together to help every single human

excitement; uncertainty; fear;

Don’t forget

restlessness … even dread. As kids,

First, understand that the whole

knowledgeable about what each day

we like things to be the same and to

school has been and is going to

will look like.

have help when they change, even in

continue to be made as safe and

expected ways. With the pandemic,

clean as it can be. Every day. Every.

there’s been a lot of changes that

Single. Day. Maybe even multiple

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on campus be comfortable and

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Separation Anxiety.

COMMON STRESSORS Homework. Let’s face it, few enjoy homework, and it was probably a little light in the last year+. But it’s back this year. There’s no escaping it, so you might as well have a plan for it. Best bet? Get it done and then enjoy the rest of your evening. For that you’ll need to organize your stuff, your space and your time. Knowing where everything you’ll need to get it finished is will reduce stress and the amount of time you spend on it. Then the job is to focus and get it done. Eliminate distractions; that includes background music or TV. Decide what order you’ll tackle assignments and dive in. Short breaks are perfect if you find yourself getting tense or tuning out.

Tests.

Even if you had no issues being away from home or family for eight hours before the pandemic, after a long time of being in and with may be causing you to freak out a bit. This is totally understandable and normal. To help the break, remind

Most of us hate them. Most times,

yourself what’s good about school.

we fret over them. If you’re one to

You’ll get to see your friends, right?

stew before a test or quiz, there are

A lot. Extracurricular activities like

several things you can do. Talking it

sports and band and art will be back

over with a trusted adult — parent,

in swing. As said before, expect the

coach, guidance counselor, teacher

best. Positive thinking can go a long

— can do wonders for relieving some

way in quieting your worries. Perhaps

of the tension. If you’ve done your

there’s something from home you

homework and paid attention, you

can tuck into your pocket to help you

should be prepared. Also, expecting

feel connected, like a small keepsake

the best instead of repeating

or stone or one of Mom’s rings …

negative thoughts about the

anything that settles your mind a bit

outcome clears your mind to think

when you touch it.

all want you to succeed and have fun while doing it. They will all understand this year’s back-to-school jitters; they may have them as well. Talk it out as often as needed. You might also find journaling your thoughts helpful. Whether you show your writing to anyone is your choice, but getting the words onto paper, just like speaking them, takes a lot of power out of the thoughts behind them.

Practice Gratitude. Scientists have studied the phenomenon of releasing tension and worry by focusing on being thankful. It is an extremely effective method to cope with negative thoughts, emotions and circumstances. Every night at bedtime, tell someone or journal at least one thing for which

well and recall information stored in

you are grateful. Focus on what went

that brain of yours.

right that day. Encourage family

Other tips

REMEMBER, IN-PERSON SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT. IT’S MORE THAN JUST MATH, GRAMMAR AND SCIENCE YOU’RE LEARNING.

members to do the same; hearing others’ thankfulness is encouraging, too! Expressing gratitude also

Communicate.

improves sleep quality, which sets you

This is not the time to keep your

attitude tomorrow.

You’re figuring out how to live in the world with other people, work as a group to succeed, exercising, plus schools offer a lot of resources you may not even know about yet. And everything that could be done to protect your health has already been done and will continue throughout the year. It’s going to be a different kind of school year, yes, but follow these tips, and you’ll roll through like the champ you already are.

up for an energy-packed, sunshine-y

feelings or thoughts to yourself. Start talking now with someone you can count on to be there throughout the school year. School counselors exist just for this sort of thing. They can listen to your worries and ideas and then offer advice and resources targeted to YOU specifically. Your parents, grandparents and teachers

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YIKES! T NOT ANOTHER TEST Do you feel nervous or sick? That’s test anxiety!

BY KATHRYN HOFFSES, PHD, KIDS HEALTH, NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HEALTH

oday’s the day of a big test

think, “What if I forget everything

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

mentioned before, not being

test (“I’m no good at taking

at school, and you feel awful.

I know?” or “What if the test is

Ask other people and you’ll find

prepared for a test (duh!) can

tests” or “I’m going to freak

Your stomach hurts and you

too hard?” Too many thoughts

that just about all people —

cause test anxiety. Kids who don’t

out if I get a bad grade”).

have a headache, maybe your

like these don’t leave much room

adults and kids — feel some

get enough sleep also can be

These thoughts can make

mouth is dry, and you feel like you

in your mind to concentrate on

anxiety before a test. In fact,

more likely to have test anxiety.

anxiety worse and make it

have to use the bathroom more

remembering the answers to the

a small dose of anxiety can be

harder for you to do well.

than usual. Your muscles may also

test questions. People with test

helpful, keeping you sharp and

What Can I Do?

feel tense, and your body is shaky

anxiety can also feel stressed out

focused. But when your symptoms

You might be reading this article

•

Accept mistakes.

or sweaty. You know you haven’t

by the physical reaction and think

take over so that you can’t

and saying, “Hey, that sounds

Everyone makes mistakes.

been bitten by the flu bug, but

things like “What if I throw up?”

function or when you’re so anxious

just like me!” If so, we’re glad you

Be more forgiving of your

you may have a case of the jitters,

or “Oh no, my hands are shaking.”

that you feel sick, you might not

recognize that this happens to

own mistakes, especially if

also known as test anxiety.

These thoughts can get the

be able to do your best.

you. Now you can start taking

you prepared for the test and

steps to lessen your test anxiety.

set out to do your best.

•

Take care of yourself.

person even more upset, making Here’s how test anxiety works.

the anxiety even stronger. Now,

Why Do We Take Tests?

Let’s say you’re worried about

the person feels worse and is even

If teachers know that students

Here are some ways to do that:

your math test because you

more distracted and unable to

get stressed out about tests, why

•

Ask for help.

You’ll feel your best if you

didn’t do so well on the last one.

concentrate.

do they still give them? Believe

Talk to your mom or dad,

get enough playtime, sleep

it or not, both teachers and

teacher or school guidance

and eat nutritious food. This

students benefit from tests. Tests

counselor. Just talking to

is important all the time, but

Or maybe you’re kind of tense because you did great on the last

What’s Performance Anxiety?

one and you’re the kind of student

Test anxiety is a type of anxiety

measure how well students are

someone about test anxiety

be extra sure you get all

who likes to get all A’s. When

called performance anxiety.

learning the skills and information

can make you feel better.

three the day before a test.

you’re feeling worried and tense,

Performance anxiety is when a

their teachers have been teaching

Describe what happens to

your whole body can be affected.

person feels worried about how

them, and teachers learn if they

you when you’re taking a

•

Breathe. OK, so you already

they will perform on a specific

need to present information in a

test, and these people can

know how to breathe. But

task, especially when they think

way that is better for students to

help you find some solutions.

did you know that breathing

Well, because we can’t outlaw

it’s really important. For instance,

understand.

For instance, learning better

exercises can help calm

tests, we might as well figure out

you might feel performance

study skills can boost your

you down? (Just try not to

how to ease test anxiety. Anxiety

anxiety when you’re trying out

And tests are a part of life, from

test-day confidence.

take in too much air

is a feeling a person gets when

for the school band or for the

the driving test you’ll take one

because it might make you

he or she expects something

basketball team.

day to the test you’ll take if you

•

Be prepared. Pay attention

feel dizzy.) Here’s how to do

decide you want to be a doctor.

in class. Do your homework.

it: Inhale (breathe in) slowly

Study for the test. On test

for four counts deeply

day, you’re more likely to feel

through your nose, and then

like you know the material.

exhale (breathe out) slowly

through your mouth. Do this

What Makes Anxiety Happen?

stressful to happen. When you’re under stress, your body releases

When you’re taking a test or

the hormone adrenaline, which

about to have some sort of

Who Gets Test Anxiety?

prepares it for danger, like when

performance, you might feel

Anyone can get test anxiety, but

you’re running away from your

“butterflies,” a stomachache or a

someone who really wants to do

older brother! Adrenaline causes

tension headache. Some people

well might be more likely to feel

•

Expect the best. Once you

two to four times, and you

the physical symptoms, such as

might feel shaky, sweaty or feel

this way. This is called being a

have prepared, think

just might breathe easier the

sweating, a pounding heart and

their heart beating quickly as they

perfectionist. Kids who worry a

positively. Say to yourself,

next time you’re taking

fast breathing. These symptoms

wait for the test to be handed

lot also might feel anxious at test

“I studied, and I’m ready to do

a test!

can be mild or intense.

out. A student with really strong

time. Perfectionists and worriers

my best.”

performance anxiety may even

find it hard to accept mistakes

Focusing on the bad things that

feel like he or she might pass out

they make or to get less than

•

Block bad thoughts.

could happen can make a kid

or throw up.

a perfect score. This creates

Watch out for any negative

more pressure for them. As we

messages you might be

sending yourself about the

feel more worried. A kid might 16

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CEREAL BARS A Seriously Delicious After-School Snack! After-school snacks are the perfect way to recharge after a long day of learning. Cereal bars are easy and delicious snacks to have on hand this back-to-school season. Made in four

Cereal bars only require four ingredients. You may ALREADY have all of these ingredients in your pantry.

½ CUP OF PEANUT BUTTER Peanut butter is the glue that holds cereal bars together. While peanut butter often holds up the best, you can use any kind of nut butter you prefer!

½ CUP OF HONEY Honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Out of honey? You can use maple syrup as an alternative.

3 ½ CUPS OF DRY CEREAL Whether it be your favorite cereal or something that’s already in your pantry, there are tons of different cereal options that will work for this recipe.

½ TEASPOON OF VANILLA Don’t forget to add a dash of vanilla to enhance the flavor!

steps with just four simple ingredients, cereal bars are the ultimate afterschool snack. They’re so good, they even double as the perfect grab-andgo breakfast!

04 EASY STEPS

Melt: Add your ½ cup of peanut butter and ½ cup of honey to a medium-sized pot. Cook on the stove for approximately 3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth. Make sure to stir consistently. Remove your pot from the stove and add ½ teaspoon of vanilla to the mix. Stir: Gently add 3 ½ cups of dry cereal to the pot until the mixture is well-coated. Then, empty and press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8" x 8" pan. Be sure to press down firmly so that your mixture sticks to the parchment paper (and not your hands). Chill: Let your mixture chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving. Once ready, with adult supervision, use a sharp knife to cut through the bars. Now, it’s time to enjoy! Clean up: To help keep their shape, store leftover cereal bars in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Back-to-school season is the perfect time to experiment with new snacks. Keep the after-school hunger at bay with delicious cereal bars! 18

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With the new school year just around the corner, it’s time to pull out your bookbag and gather all your favorite supplies.

Spice up your materials by making a cute DIY pencil case this fall!

Flat Flat Zipping Zipping Pencil Pencil Case Case 20

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Sew a new pencil case in 10 minutes or less with these easy directions. Fill it with Sharpies or pencils and you’ve got a great DIY back-toschool accessory!

WHAT YOU NEED These easy DIY pencil cases only require a handful of materials! • • • •

A 7" x 9" (18 x 23 cm) piece of medium to heavy-weight material (preferably non-fraying) A 3 ½" x 1 ½" scrap piece for pull tab (9 x 4 cm) A standard 8" (20 cm) nylon-coil zipper size #3 Matching thread, sewing machine, scissors and sewing clips

Note: The finished size of this unlined zipper pouch is 8 ½" x 3 ½" (21 x 9 cm).

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP Three: Attach the zipper to the other side of your pencil pouch Place the other zipper edge along the remaining long fabric edge, so they are right-sides-together again. Then, stitch along the zipper tape.

STEP FOUR: Open the zipper At this point, your pencil case should have a tube-like structure. Make sure to open the zipper at least halfway. This will be very important for the next steps!

STEP FIVE: Add a pull tag Now, make a pull tab for your zipper. Fold the two long edges of the small piece toward the right side, and then fold again along the center. Then, topstitch along each edge. Next, fold the pull tab in half and slide it between the right sides of the main piece, half an inch or so below the zipper line. Note: The loop should face inward.

STEP SIX: Sew the sides Fold the sides of your pencil case so that the zipper is on top. Using two stitching lines on each side, stitch both sides of your pencil case closed, securing the stitches at the beginning and end. To avoid pinched zipper ends, pin the zipper tape so it is facing away from the fabric.

STEP ONE: Cut two rectangles Cut two rectangles: one 7" x 9" (18 x 23 cm) and the other 3 ½" x 1 ½" (9 x 4 cm). The length of the large piece should be equal to the total length of your zipper (including the zipper tape). Note: If your material frays, run a zigzag stitch all around the larger piece.

STEP two: Add your zipper to one side Place your main piece right-side-up and place the zipper right-side-down along the top long edge. Attach sewing clips to hold in place and stitch. Flip the sewn zipper right-side-up.

STEP SEVEN: Turn, fill, and use! Turn your pencil case right-side-out through the halfway open zipper. To push the corners out, use a knitting needle or a chopstick. You’ve just made your very own pencil case! Now, all that’s left to do is to fill up your new pencil case with all of your favorite supplies and enjoy! If you had fun making this DIY pencil case, sew up a few more as teacher-appreciation gifts or back-to-school gifts for your friends!

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