Category — Seasons & Holidays
Name Book
These books are make from items you already have around the house. It’s a great activity and you’re recycling too!
Name Book
This is from Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord’s recent newsletter. I was fortunate enough to attend this workshop.
We made this simple name book as the introductory activity in the teacher workshop in Utah this summer. Each person had one sheet of copy paper with writing on one side, two covers cut from cereal boxes (for US Letter paper the covers were 3″ x 4.5″), glue stick, scrap paper, and scissors. On each table was a pile of miscellaneous collage papers. A good way to place them is in styrofoam trays for vegetables from the supermarket. I led the class through the construction of the accordion book. Each person then cut the letters of her (or his) name out of the collage papers and glued them across the accordion.
I like starting with this activity because it gives a taste of both aspects of bookmaking in one small package: following directions in the construction phase and independent creative work in the name phase. It also uses the accordion book as one long panel rather than separate pages and sends the message that book s can be places to experiment and have fun.
We did a show and tell of our books and used them to introduce ourselves. We then hung them from a yarn line for some instant room decoration. You could also have branches in a container and hang the books.
If you are doing it with a class, I think it’s important for you to make a book along with the children. I think we need to take every opportunity we can to show our students that we are all in this together. We often forget that we are asking them to put themselves on the line every time they write something and share it and we need to acknowledge it and sometimes do the same.
Get more bookmaking ideas from Susan
August 17, 2010 3 Comments
A Fun Way to Preserve Memories
A fun way to preserve special summer memories is by using a tin lunch box. You can find them at craft stores and they come in various shapes and sizes.
Use permanent markers and stickers to decorate the outside then use a clip magnet on the inside cover to hold all the photos. You can make a booklet with your photos or just stack them together and secure with the magnet clip. Put souvenirs, postcards or other memorabilia inside.
You can also use a tin box you already have and paint it.
July 5, 2010 2 Comments
Celebrate What’s Right With America
It seems that we are bombarded by newspapers, magazines, television, and radio with all that is wrong with America. How about this July Fourth make a Top Ten List of what is great about America.
Here is mine:
10. I was able to go to college and choose my profession.
9. I have a home that provides protection.
8. I am able to have a driver’s license and drive.
7. I am able to voice my opinion without fear of being jailed.
6. I am able to vote for the candidate of my choice.
5. I have a voice in what happens in my community.
4. My dreams are not limited by anyone but me.
3. I am able to have a family and share their lives.
2. I am able to worship the God of my choice.
1. I have the freedom to make choices about my life.
July 1, 2010 3 Comments
Star-Studded Napkin Rings
Your kids or grandkids can make these FUN NAPKIN RINGS for a family Independence Day celebration.
June 30, 2010 No Comments
Star Pastry Treats
Your grandchildren will have fun making this special treat for a family party and they can practice their measurement skills too.
Star Pastry Treat
You will need:
2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry
1/3 C jam (any flavor)
1 C whipped cream
Confectioner’s sugar
Colored sprinkles
Large star cookie cutter
Non-stick baking paper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°
1. Cut stars from the pastry, using a large star cookie cutter. If you do not have a cookie cutter make a star pattern from cardboard and trace using a butter knife.
2. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
3. Place the pastry stars on the baking tray and prick them all over with a fork.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the stars are puffed and golden. Let cool.
5. Slice the stars in half horizontally and spread the bottom halves with jam and cream.
6. Put the tops back on and sandwich together. Dust with confectioner sugar and colored sprinkles.
Makes about 14 stars.
June 29, 2010 1 Comment
Firecracker Table Decorations
You can your children make this easy decorations for your July 4th celebration.
You’ll Need:
cardboard tubes (toilet paper, paper towel, foil) about 5 inches in height
Patterns – DOWNLOAD FIRECRACKER PATTERNS
crayons or markers
glitter
glue
colored paper or foil
Directions:
Print patterns and write “What America Means to Me” in the spaces provided.
Color then cut out and glue around cardboard tube.
Make the tube look like a firecracker by gluing strips of color paper or foil on the inside of the tube.
We added some flags and star bases to our firecrackers.
June 28, 2010 2 Comments
Links On A Chain – Family Reunion Activity
I came across an activity that Kimberlee Woodward, a teacher in Michigan, used in her classroom that I thought would be fun for a family reunion or a family gathering. Each person has 3-5 different-colored paper strips on which they write a different talent. They create a mini paper chain by linking their talent strips together. Now, get the whole group together and taking turns, each person reads their talents. Link the individual chains together using extra strips of paper. Now you have one long chain. Talk about what the chain demonstrates. For example: All our family members have talents. If we help and support each other we can accomplish more. We’re a stronger family when each individual is willing to share their talents.
June 21, 2010 6 Comments
Father’s Day Gift
This is an easy gift idea for fathers made from a CD cover.
Find a CD cover that you’re not using. I have several because I have a special case in my car to hold my CDs.
Trace paper to fit inside then decorate with photos, stickers and markers. Be sure to write a special message. Slide the decorated paper into the cover. You may need to use some clear tape to hold the paper.
Dad can display this on his desk at work or someplace that he can see it often.
June 16, 2010 4 Comments
Paper House Activity & Father’s Day Card
This is fun and easy all year long but it can also be used as a Father’s Day card.
All you need is a rectangle shape piece of paper and a pencil. You can make your house as large or as small as you like depending on the size of paper. Have your child fold the paper into a house. They may need your help. Read a story about families or traditions and then have your child write or draw pictures inside the house, about a special family activity or tradition. Stand it up to display. You can also use stickers that represent a family activity or tradition.
Download Directions for House
June 15, 2010 4 Comments
Ice Cream Cone Activity
Print out an ice cream cone pattern for each family member. Each person cuts out the single scoop ice cream cone and writes their name as shown in the picture. Put the cones on the refridgertor or a bulletin board so everyone can see them. Cut out the remaining scoops and put them in a place that is accessible to all members of the family. When a member of the family catches someone doing a good deed, write the deed on an ice cream scoop and attach it to their cone. Watch the ice cream cone get taller and taller as good deeds are being done.
Download Ice Cream Cone
June 9, 2010 2 Comments
