Tissue Paper Egg Materials: Pastel color tissue paper White construction paper Liquid starch Hole punch Ribbon Teacher prep: Cut a white construction paper egg for each child Cut a supply of pastel color tissue paper squares Child s Process: Paint liquid starch on the entire egg Cover with pastel color tissue paper squares Overlap each square a tiny bit Let dry Hole punch a hole in the top of the egg Tie a ribbon through to hang
Hand Lambs Materials: Green and black construction paper Cotton balls Wiggly eyes Scissors Markers Glue Teacher prep: Purchase cotton balls Child s Process: Trace the child s hand on a sheet of black construction paper Cut the hand print out Place the hand upside down so the four fingers are the legs and the thumb is the head Glue cotton balls to the body Glue wiggly eyes to the head Glue the lamb to a sheet of green construction paper to put your lamb in a field Use markers to add other details for example a fence, grass, etc.
Egg Carton Daffodils Materials: Egg cartons Yellow and green construction paper Glue Yellow paint White construction paper Markers Teacher prep: Cut the cups out from an egg carton Cut a yellow construction paper daffodil for each child Cut a green construction paper stem for each child Cut a supply of green construction paper leaves Child s Process: Paint the egg carton cup yellow Glue the daffodil onto the white construction paper Glue on a stem and leaves Glue the yellow egg carton cup to the middle of the daffodil Color any extra details for example grass, bees, ladybugs etc.
Lady Bug Materials: Paper bowls Red paint Black construction paper Scissors Glue Sticker eyes Teacher prep: Cut a supply of black construction paper spots Cut a black construction paper head for each child Child s Process: Paint the bowl red Glue on the head Add sticker eyes Glue on spots Let dry It is optional to add black pipe cleaner legs or antennas
Flower Masks Materials: Construction paper Paint Tape Scissors Large craft sticks Teacher prep: Cut a supply of construction paper flower petals Cut the center out of a large paper plate for each child Child s Process: Pint the paper plate rim Glue the petals around the outer edge of the paper plate rim Let dry Tape a large craft stick to the back of the paper plate rim making it into a mask
Pine Cone Bird Feeder Materials: Pine cones Yarn Scissors Margarine and cream cheese Plastic knives Bowls Freezer Bird seed Teacher prep: Collect a supply of pine cones Purchase margarine, cream cheese and bird seed Tie yarn onto each pine cone for a hanger Mix 1 part margarine to 1 part cream cheese in a bowl Pour bird seed into a bowl Child s Process: Coat the pine cone with the mixture Roll the coated pine cone in bird seed Place the seed covered pine cone in the freezer for about an hour until set Hang outside of your home
Coffee Filter Earth Materials: Coffee filters Green and blue liquid water color paint Eye droppers Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Use eyedroppers to drop blue and green liquid water color paint on a coffee filter Watch the filter absorb the water When dry it will looks just like the earth
Mirror Image Butterflies Materials: White construction paper Biocolor paint Scissors Teacher prep: Cut a supply of white construction paper butterflies Child s Process: Fold the butterfly in half Squirt a small amount of a few different colors of biocolor paint onto half of the butterfly Carefully fold the butterfly in half Gently rub the butterfly so the paint spreads around Open it up to see the mirror image! This activity can be done with any type of shape for example a flower, race car, etc. Biocolor paint must be used to get the mirror image because the colors do not mix
Exploring Paint Materials: Paint Paper Various tools Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Experiment with different tools while painting Try painting with: Q-tips or cotton swabs Cotton Balls Fingers Toes Rags Toothpicks Twigs or sticks Feathers Toothbrush String or yarn
Rain Painting Materials: Blue, red and yellow liquid water colors White construction paper Eye droppers Light color crayons Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Use light color crayons to draw a picture on the sheet of paper For example draw grass, flowers, rainy clouds, etc. Drop blue, red and yellow liquid watercolor paint at the top of the piece of paper Pick the paper up and let the paint rain down the paper These three colors will blend together to create all of the colors of the rainbow
Cherry Blossom Tree Materials: Sponges Scissors Paint Shallow container Paper Brown construction paper Glue sticks Teacher prep: Cut the sponges into cherry blossom shapes Pour paint into a shallow container Cut a brown cherry blossom tree for each child Child s Process: Glue the tree onto a sheet of paper Sponge paint cherry blossoms on the tree
Plastic Bag Butterfly Materials: Small Ziploc bags Pipe cleaners Collage materials Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Add several different types of collage materials to the butterfly bag Make sure most of the air is out of the bag then seal it Distribute the scraps somewhat evenly on both sides of the bag Pinch it together in the middle Wrap a pipe cleaner around middle of bag Twist to secure it Bend the ends for antennae
Rainbow Noodles Materials: Macaroni Food coloring White construction paper Glue Teacher prep: Cut a white construction paper rainbow shape for each child Dye macaroni noodles with the colors of the rainbow Child s Process: Glue the macaroni to the corresponding colors of a rainbow on the rainbow cutout
Spring Lanterns Materials: Construction paper Scissors Hole punch Yarn Glue sticks Stapler or tape Markers Teacher prep: Cut a construction paper lantern for each child (see diagram below) Cut a supply of spring related shapes for example flowers, butterflies, bugs, etc. Child s Process: Decorate the lantern by coloring it with markers and gluing spring shapes to it Staple or tape the ends together Hole punch two holes in the top of the lantern Tie a piece of yarn through the holes to hang the lantern
Fluffy Lamb Materials: Paper plates Black construction paper Scissors Cotton balls Wiggly eyes Chalk Glue Teacher prep: Cut a black construction paper circle and two ears for each child Child s Process: Glue the black circle to the center of the back of a paper plate which is the face Glue cotton balls around the edge of the paper plate Glue on wiggly eyes Use the chalk to draw on other facial features Glue on two ears over the cotton balls
Egg Carton Ant Materials: Egg cartons Scissors Black paint Wiggly eyes Glue Black pipe cleaner Teacher prep: Gather egg cartons Cut the egg cartons so three cups are connected making four ant bodies out of each carton Child s Process: Paint the ant body black Let dry Glue on wiggly eyes Add pipe cleaner legs
Torn Rainbows Materials: Paper scraps White construction paper Marker Glue stick Teacher prep: Gather red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple paper craps Tear the scraps into small pieces Draw a rainbow on a sheet of white construction paper for each child Child s Process: Glue the paper scraps to the rainbow
Spin Art Kite Materials: Construction paper Yarn Glue Paint Salad spinner Containers Spoons Scissors Tape Teacher prep: Cut a construction paper diamond (kite) for each child Cut a supply of construction paper bows Pour paint into separate containers with a spoon Child s Process: Place kite in the salad spinner Scoop paint onto kite Cover the salad spinner and spin Let dry Tape a piece of yarn to the back of the kite as the tail Glue construction paper ribbons to the piece of yarn
Footprint Butterfly Materials: Paint Shallow container Construction paper Decorating materials Markers Glue Teacher prep: Pour paint into a shallow container Gather decorating materials for example glitter, sequence, tissue paper, buttons, etc. Child s Process: Place the child s foot into the paint Make two footprints on the paper (separated to make wings of a butterfly) Let dry Use the markers to draw a butterfly body in between the wings Decorate with any materials of your choice
Tissue Paper Roll Bee Materials: Tissue paper rolls Black and yellow paint Black construction paper Wax paper Black permanent marker Teacher prep: Gather a supply of tissue paper rolls Cut a black construction paper stinger for each child Cut two wax paper wings for each child Child s Process: Paint the tissue paper roll yellow and black Glue a black stinger on the back of the bee Glue two wax paper wings to the top of the bee When dry draw facial features on the bee
Handprint Chicks Materials: Yellow and orange construction paper Brads Scissors Yellow feathers Wiggly eyes Glue Teacher prep: Cut a yellow construction paper chick body for each child Cut a supply of orange construction paper legs and beaks Child s Process: Trace each child s hands on yellow construction paper Cut both hands out Attach each hand to the chick body with two brads as wings Glue on legs, a beak and wiggly eyes Decorate with feathers
Umbrella Scene Materials: Cupcake liners Cotton balls Blue and black construction paper Glue sticks Teacher prep: Purchase cupcake liners Cut the cupcake liners in half Cut a supply of black construction paper umbrella handles Cut a supply of blue construction paper rain drops Child s Process: Glue several of the half cupcake liners to a sheet of construction paper (this is the top of the umbrella) Glue handles on the umbrellas Glue cotton balls to the top of the paper as clouds Glue several rain drops around the umbrellas
You Are My Sunshine Materials: Paper plates Orange and yellow construction paper Yellow paint Gold glitter Scissors Glue Teacher prep: Cut a supply of yellow and orange triangles Child s Process: Glue yellow and orange triangles around the edge of the paper plate Paint the plate yellow Sprinkle gold glitter over the paint
Paper Plate Jelly Fish Materials: Paper plate Blue crepe paper Blue paint Wiggly eyes Scissors Teacher prep: Cut a supply of blue crepe paper strips Child s Process: Paint the paper plate blue Glue crepe paper strips to the unpainted side of the plate Glue wiggly eyes to the painted side
Coffee Filter Rainbow Fish Materials: Coffee filters Liquid watercolor paint Eye droppers Scissors Wiggly eyes Aluminum foil Containers Teacher prep: Cut a coffee filter into a fish shape for each child Cut aluminum foil into small pieces Pour liquid water colors into separate containers Child s Process: Use eye dropper to drip liquid water color on the fish Watch the colors mix into a unique design Let dry Glue on wiggly eyes Glue on aluminum foil scales
Spring Hat Materials: Newspaper Masking tape Paint Decorating materials Glue Scissors Teacher prep: Collect several newspapers Child s Process: Lay four full sheets of newspaper on top of the child s head (see photo below) Gather the newspaper to form firmly around the child s head Wrap the masking tape around the crown of the hat a couple of times to hold it securely Lay it flat on the table and roll up the edges to make the brim of the hat Paint the hat Glue on decorating materials of your choice
Cinco de Mayo Hat Materials: Yellow and white construction paper Markers Pompom balls Construction paper scraps Glue Teacher prep: Cut a yellow construction paper hat for each child Child s Process: Glue the hat onto a sheet of white construction paper Decorate the hat with pompoms and construction paper scraps Color additional details
Mardi Gras Mask Materials: Purple, yellow and/or green poster board Mask template provided Large craft sticks Packaging tape Decorating materials Scissors Glue Markers Teacher prep: Copy template onto poster board Cut a mask for each child Gather decorating materials for example glitter, sequence, jewels, etc. Child s Process: Draw decorations on the mask Glue decorating materials onto the mask Tape a large craft stick to the back left of the mask as a handle
Mosaic Sand Art Materials: Black construction paper Sand Glue bottles Shells Pebbles Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Begin with a small bottle of glue and a piece of black construction paper Draw with the tip of the glue bottle Sprinkle loose sand over the glue Shake off the excess Glue on shells and/or pebbles for details
Beach in a Bottle Materials: Mini washed water bottles Shell stickers Funnel Sand Shells Glue gun or tacky glue Teacher prep: Collect mini water bottles and wash Purchase sand, a funnel and shells Help each child use the funnel to fill their bottle half way full of sand Child s Process: Decorate the bottle with shell stickers Choose some shells and drop them into the bottle Glue gun or tacky glue the bottle closed Gently lay it on its side to make a beach in a bottle!
Sun Visor Materials: Poster board Scissors Stickers Markers Hole punch Elastic string Teacher prep: Cut a sun visor shape out of poster board for each child Child s Process: Decorate the visor with markers and stickers Use a hole punch to make a hole in each end of the visor Thread elastic string through the holes and tie securely Wear!
Running Rainbows Materials: Paper towel tubes Scissors Paint Crepe paper String or ribbon Teacher prep: Cut the paper towel tubes in half Child s Process: Paint the tube Let dry Tape different color crepe paper to the inside bottom of the tube Punch two holes in the top of each tube Help each child use a string or ribbon to attach a handle to the top Run and let the rainbow blow in the wind
Cheerio Star Fish Materials: Construction paper Cheerios Glue Crayons Teacher prep: Cut a construction paper starfish for each child Child s Process: Color the starfish Glue cheerios onto it
Paper Plate Jellyfish Materials: Paper plates Crepe paper Markers or paint Scissors Stapler Glue Teacher prep: Cut a paper plate in half for each child Staple the two halves together leaving the bottom flat edge open Cut crepe paper into long strips Child s Process: Color or paint the jellyfish Glue the crepe paper strips to the inside opening of the plate so they hang down as the jelly fish s tentacles Add eyes
Bug Garden Materials: Green construction paper Paint Markers Shallow container Teacher prep: Pour paint into shallow container Child s Process: Dip your finger into paint and press it onto the paper to make a fingerprint Repeat with the different colors of paint until the paper has a number of different colorful fingerprint shapes Use markers to make bugs out of the fingerprint designs Add antennae, wings, legs and other markings to make butterflies, ladybugs, snails, centipedes and more!
Sand Foot Print Materials: White paint Construction paper Sand 2 shallow containers Water Soap Towel Teacher prep: Pour white paint into shallow container Pour water into shallow container Add a small amount of soap to the water Child s Process: Dip the child s foot in white paint Place their foot onto a sheet of construction paper making a foot print Dip their foot into a container of soapy water Towel dry their foot Sprinkle sand onto the paint foot print This activity can also be done with a hand to make a sandy hand print
Ocean in a Bag Materials: Ziploc bags Styrofoam trays Scissors Blue hair gel Seashells Permanent markers Teacher prep: Purchase blue hair gel and shells Cut a supply of styrofoam fish Child s Process: Decorate some fish with permanent markers Place the fish and some shells into a Ziploc bag Squirt some blue hair gel into the bag Seal tightly
Crayon Resist Ocean Materials: Crayons (including white) White construction paper Blue paint Teacher prep: Water down the blue paint Child s Process: Draw an ocean scene on a piece of white construction paper with crayons Include white crayon drawing fish Paint over the whole piece of paper with the watered down blue paint to reveal the fish!
Bio Color Paint-sicles Materials: Popsicle trays Bio Paints Teacher prep: Fill the popsicle trays with layers of different color bio-paint Freeze Child s Process: Enjoy painting with these cool paintsicles When completely frozen they will draw like chalk As they soften it will draw more like a crayon and then like paint
Spin Art Star Wands Materials: Construction paper Packaging tape or glue gun Large craft sticks Salad spinner Paint Glitter Curling ribbon Cups Spoons Teacher prep: Purchase salad spinner Cut a supply of large different construction paper stars Pour different color paint into separate cups Child s Process: Place a star in the bottom of the salad spinner Use a spoon to scoop some paint out of the cup and gently shake it onto the star Repeat with several colors of paint Place the lid on the salad spinner Hold the spinner still on the table while the child spins the spinner handle as fast as they can Remove the top Look at the unique design you have created Sprinkle some glitter onto the star Let dry Glue gun or use packaging tape to stick a large craft stick to the back of each star Packaging tape works well because it is strong and holds the star in place Optionally, tie some curling ribbon to the large craft stick before you glue the star onto it
Sand Bottles Materials: Liquid water color paint Salt Ziploc bags Small bottles with caps Funnels Bowls Spoons Glue gun or tacky glue Teacher prep: Purchase a supply of small bottles Color the salt so it looks like colored sand 1. Pour salt into a Ziploc bag. 2. Add a small amount of liquid-water-color paint and mix. Repeat this process until you have several different colors of sand. 3. Empty each bag into a separate bowl and let dry for several hours. Child s Process: Use a funnel and a spoon to scoop layers of different color sand into their bottle Place the cap on the bottle It is a good idea to permanently secure the caps with either a glue gun or tacky glue Optionally, instead of purchasing bottles, recycle small water bottles. Remove the water bottle labels.
Ocean Habitat Materials: Empty 2 liter bottle Baby oil or mineral oil Water Funnel Blue food coloring Small light weight star fish, shells and other sea creatures Glitter Glue gun Teacher prep: Wash, dry and remove all labels from the bottle Gather small and light sea creatures that will float Test the sea creatures in a glass of water first to see if they float before putting them into the bottle Child s Process: Fill the bottle halfway with water Add a few drops of blue food coloring Swirl the bottle around to mix Add a pinch of glitter Add a few different sea creatures Use the funnel to fill the rest of the bottle with the clear oil Use a glue gun to permanently close the cap on the bottle very tightly to avoid any leaking Turn the bottle on its side Gently rock the bottle to create a wave! Be sure to have the children help you make this project every step of the way
Sandy Pail Materials: Construction paper Sand Glue Markers Teacher prep: Cut a construction paper pail and shovel for each child Child s Process: Color the pail and shovel with markers Help each child put glue just on the top of the pail Sprinkle sand onto the glue Glue the shovel on the pail
Strawberry Handprint Materials: Red, green and black paint Paper Paper plates Teacher prep: Pour red and green paint onto separate paper plates Child s Process: Dip your hand into the red paint Print two red handprints with the fingers overlapping on the paper Roll your pinky finger into green paint Use the side of your pinky finger to add two green leaves where the palms join (at the top of the strawberry) Wash hands Add black fingerprints for the seeds
Flower Crown Materials: Paper plates Paint Construction paper Glue Teacher prep: Cut a slit through the center a paper plate, leaving about an inch at the edges of the plate Cut three more slits (see picture below) Bend the triangles formed by the cuts upward (see picture below) Cut a plate crown for each child Cut a supply of construction paper flowers Child s Process: Paint the crown green Glue flowers to crown Can add streamers with crepe paper or ribbon.
Salt Water Painting Materials: Cups Food coloring Water Salt Paper Measuring spoons Teacher prep: Add food coloring to several half filled cups of water Add a few tablespoons of salt to each cup and stir Child s Process: Paint a picture on a sheet of paper Let dry Look at the painting to discover how the salt makes the paper sparkly in a natural way
Spy Glass Telescope Materials: Paper tubes Plastic wrap Scissors Tape Construction paper Glue stick Small stickers Teacher prep: Make the lens for your spy glass 1. Cover one end of the paper tube with a small square of plastic wrap. 2. Secure the plastic wrap with tape (don't worry if the edges are not neat because they will be covered) Repeat for each child Cut each child a piece of construction paper just big enough to wrap around and cover the paper tube Child s Process: Color the sheet of construction paper Decorate it with stickers Cover the outside of your paper tube with this construction paper Glue it in place Begin your spying adventure
Rock and Roll Marble Painting Materials: Paint Marbles Cups Shallow container Spoons Paper Rock and roll music Teacher prep: Pour different color paint into small cups Add a spoon to each cup Drop a few marbles into each cup Child s Process: Place a sheet of paper into the shallow container Scoop out a few marbles from each cup Drop them into the box on top of the sheet of paper Turn the music on Dance to the music as you tilt the box in different directions Optionally, cut sheets of paper into fun rock and roll shapes. For example, a musical note, a record, a guitar, etc. To keep it a summer theme, play Beach Boys music
Colored Sand Art Materials: Salt Liquid water color Salt shakers Masking tape Contact paper Construction paper Ziploc bags Teacher prep: Color the salt so it looks like colored sand 1. Pour salt into a Ziploc bag. 2. Add a small amount of liquid-water-color paint and mix. 3. Repeat this process until you have several different colors of sand. 4. Empty each bag into a separate bowl and let dry for several hours or overnight. 5. Pour colored salt into salt shakers 6. To reduce over pouring, use masking tape to cover about half of each salt shaker s holes Create a frame 1. Cut out the center of a piece of construction paper 2. Cut a piece of contact paper slightly smaller than the frame 3. Set contact paper face down and peel off the backing 4. Carefully lay the frame over the sticky surface and press in place. 5. Repeat for each child Child s Process: One color at a time, pour colored salt over the sticky surface of the framed contact paper Shake off the excess salt
Paper Plate Butterfly Materials: Paper plates (each plate makes 1 set of wings) Paper tubes (each tube makes 2 butterfly bodies) Paint Hole punch Wiggle eyes Glue gun Glue Teacher prep: Make a butterfly for each child 1. Cut a paper plate in half 2. Cut a paper tube in half lengthwise 3. Use a glue gun to secure the two halves of the plate on top of the paper tube for wings (see picture below) 4. Hole punch two holes in the top of each paper tube for the pipe cleaner antennae Child s Process: Paint the butterfly Glue wiggle eyes on the tube Let dry Lace a pipe cleaner through the holes as an antennae
Glitter Art Materials: Black construction paper Shallow box Glitter Shaker Glue in a bottle Teacher prep: Pour the glitter into a shaker Child s Process: Lay a sheet of black construction paper in the box Squeeze the glue onto the black construction paper, making a design Shake some glitter on the glue Gently shake the box from left to right to spread the glitter evenly onto the glue Take the paper out of the box Shake off the excess glitter Let dry
Colorful Leaf Wreaths Materials: Real leaves or cut out construction paper leaves Paper plates Scissors Glue Teacher prep: Provide materials Child s process: Create a colorful display
Turkey Treat Holder Materials: Foam sheets Wiggly weyes Scissors Tacky glue Terracotta pots, clay pots or plastic cups Teacher prep: Provide feathers, oval body and heart shaped feet Child s process: Attach the feathers to the back of the container Attach body to the front and feet to the bottom Decorate the face with eyes, beak
Goop Materials: Cornstarch Water Mixing bowl Tray or bowl per child Liquid water coloring Teacher prep: Provide materials Child s process: Add water and cornstarch together Mix until smooth consistency
Spin Art Spider Webs Materials: Spin art machine or salad spinner Black Paint Small circle of white paper or paperplate Teacher prep: Set up the materials Child s process: Drip paint on the paper Cover with the lid Spin
Wild Animal Masks Materials: Collage Materials Animal mask templates or shapes Markers and crayons Teacher prep: Encourage the children to choose an animal pattern Provide materials Child s process: Design a mask with materials and markers March in a Wild Things Parade Great extension activity with the book, Where the Wild Things Are.
Paper Bag Pumpkins Materials: Brown bags Newspaper for stuffing Paint Construction paper or wiggle eyes Teacher prep: Provide the materials Child s process: Stuff the lunch bag Rubber band the top Paint Decorate face
Paper Bag Ghost Materials: Brown bags Newspaper for stuffing Paint String Two round black eyes Teacher prep: Provide the materials Child s process: Stuff the lunch bag ¼ full Rubber band the top Fringe the bottom Decorate face Attach a string from the top
Explore a Pumpkin Materials: Large pumpkin Spoons Teacher prep: Cut the top off of the pumpkin Child s process: Scoop out the seeds Pull of the pumpkin residue
Leaf Magnets Materials: Leaves Decoupage paste Markers or paint Magnet strips Teacher prep: Need to apply Decoupage to finished leaf to seal in the artwork Child s process: Decorate leaf Apply magnet when dry
Cornstarch Impressions Materials: 1 c. cornstarch 2 c. baking soda 1 ¼ C water Nature items Wax paper Electirc skillet Teacher prep: Cook over medium heat until thick Cool, then flatten between two sheets of wax paper Child s process: Using a small piece of cornstarch dough, place a few twigs, leaves or nature items on top Press down, lift up and se the impressions Add water color paint and let dry
Leaf Prints Materials: Newspaper Variety of leaves Paint Black construction paper Teacher prep: Cover the work space with newspaper Child s process: Choose a couple of leaves Lay them on the table Apply paint to the tops Gently lay a piece of black paper on top Lift off to see the print created
Leaf Butterflies Materials: Leaves Scissors Paper and glue Teacher prep: Provide pictures of butterflies Collect a large bag of leaves Child s process: Trace a leaf into a heart shape Glue a strip down the middle for the body Add antennas
Pumpkin Pal Materials: Pumpkin Shape Accordian pleated strips of paper Wiggle eyes Teacher prep: Provide materials Child s process: Attach pleated arms, legs Create a face
Playful Puppets Materials: Craft sticks, lunch pags or paper plates Halloween shapes Glue Markers Glitter Teacher prep: Provide materials Child s process: Choose your shape and base Create a puppet
Pasta Skeleton Materials: Variety of pasta (fusili, rigatoni, long spaghetti, beans) Black construction paper Glue Teacher prep: Provide the materials Child s process: Choose your pasta Design a funny skeleton Attach the pasta with glue
Spider Web Materials: Black Construction Paper Glue Glitter Teacher prep: Provide the materials Child s process: Drizzle glue in different designs on the paper Crossing over the lines and making a series of intersecting lines Sprinkle glitter Shake of excess glitter
Fall Placemats Materials: Fall leaves Contact paper Scissors Teacher prep: Gather a variety of leaves with many different shapes and colors Cut two pieces of clear contact paper about two feet long for each child Child s Process: Remove the backing from one piece of contact paper Stick the leaves randomly onto the sticky side of the contact paper Peel the off of the second piece of contact paper Cover the leaves with it to seal them in between the contact paper sheets Trim around the edges It is optional to use fancy edged scissors to cut the edge of your placemat.
Tree-mendous Fun Materials: Leaves Paper Paint Teacher prep: Collect leaves Dip the child s arm and hand in brown paint for the trunk Child s process: Decorate tree with colorful leaves Teacher assists with arm painting
Leaf Rubbings Materials: Light weight paper Leaves pencils Teacher prep: tape leaves to the table provide supplies Child s process: Use the side of the pencil to create the shape of the leaf Brush a little glue on top Sprinkle with fall colored glitter
Paper Plate Snowman Materials: Small paper plates Stapler Construction paper Markers Glue Teacher prep: Staple three small plates together to form a snowman for each child Cut hats, scarves, noses, buttons, etc. out of construction paper Child s Process: Decorate your snowman by gluing on the construction paper pieces Draw a mouth and eyes on your snowman
Cupcake Liner Snowman Materials: Cupcake liners Construction paper Scissors Buttons Glue Markers Teacher prep: Purchase cupcake liners Cut hats, scarves, noses, buttons, etc. out of construction paper Child s Process: Glue three cupcake liners on a piece of construction paper into a snowman Decorate it with construction paper pieces, buttons, markers, etc.
Sugar Cube Igloo Materials: Sugar cubes Styrofoam cups Paper plates Hot glue gun Glue Teacher prep: Purchase sugar cubes Cut the top of a Styrofoam cup off for each child to make the cup shorter Hot glue gun the bottom of the cup to a paper plate for each child Child s Process: Spread glue over the cup Glue the sugar cubes around the cup until you cover the entire cup If sugar cubes are too difficult you could try this same project with mini-marshmallows
Craft Stick Snowflake Materials: Large craft sticks Blue paint Glitter Glue Teacher prep: Glue large craft sticks together in the shape of a snowflake for each child 1. Put a large spot of glue in the center of one of the craft sticks 2. Place a second craft stick at a 90 degree angle on the first stick 3. Repeat with the remaining two craft sticks to fill in the gaps Child s Process: Paint the snowflake with blue paint Sprinkle glitter on the craft sticks while the paint is still wet Let dry The Blue Crew can glue snowflakes together.
Marble Painted Snowman Materials: White construction paper Scissors Glue Markers Marbles Paint Shallow container (bottom of a pizza box works great) Teacher prep: Cut a white construction paper snowman for each child Pour paint in a cup Drop marbles into the cup Child s Process: Place the snowman in the shallow container Scoop marbles out of the paint and onto the snowman Roll the marbles around over the snowman Let dry Use markers to give the snowman a face
Penguins Materials: Black and orange construction paper Chalk Scissors Cotton balls Wiggly eyes Glue Teacher prep: Draw a penguin with chalk on a sheet of black construction paper for each child Cut a beak and two feet for each child Child s Process: Cut out the penguin Glue cotton balls on the penguins tummy section Glue on the beak, a wiggly eye and two feet
Friendship Jewelry Materials: Beads Lanyard string Pipe cleaners Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Create jewelry to give to your special friends String beads on lanyard string to make a necklace String beads on a pipe cleaner to make a bracelet Lanyard string is best to use for beading because it is stiff, making it easy for little hands to slip beads onto it
Friendship Flowers Materials: Construction paper Lollipops Tape Markers Teacher prep: Purchase lollipops Cut three heart shaped petals and two leaves out of construction paper for each child Cut a flower center out of a contrasting color of paper for each child Poke a small hole in each piece and crease the petals Child s Process: Slide the pieces onto a lollipop stem: center, petals, leaves Tape the bottom securely Write a message to a friend on one of the leaves
Snowman Puppet Materials: Plastic spoons Black and orange felt Sticker eyes Permanent marker Tacky glue Teacher prep: Cut several black felt hats Cut several orange felt noses Child s Process: Use a plastic spoon for the base (head) Glue on a felt hat and nose onto the snowman head Add sticker eyes Draw on a mouth Add clothes
Puffy Snowman Materials: Cotton balls Blue, black and orange construction paper Brown pipe cleaners Glue Pencil Scissors Teacher prep: Purchase several bags of cotton balls Cut black construction paper hats and orange noses Cut black circles for eyes and buttons Draw one large and one small circle on a sheet of blue construction paper for each child Cut pipe cleaners into fourths for arms Child s Process: Glue cotton balls on the paper filling up the large and small circle Glue on pipe cleaner arms and a hat Over the cotton balls glue a nose, eyes and buttons on the snowman
Musical Art Materials: Finger paints Containers Finger paint paper Music Teacher prep: Pour finger paint into containers Gather different types of music Child s Process: Play music Finger paint to the music Ask fun questions- for example: What do you think of when you hear the music? Change the type of music so you can create paintings that represent the sounds you hear
Holiday Trees Materials: Paper clips (1 per tree) Foam squares- different sizes Teacher prep: Provide materials Child s Process Bend the clip so that there is a base and a piece sticking straight up Stack the foam squares from largest to smallest working your way up the tree trunk Turn the pieces just slightly to give your tree pointybranches Once the trunk is full of branches, glue the last piece on top to complete your tree
Craft Stick Sled Materials: 5 Jumbo craft sticks 2 craft sticks 2 miniature craft sticks Glue Yarn Light blue and white acrylic paint toothpick Teacher prep: Provide materials Provide an assembled sled for a guide Child s Process Paint three jumbo sticks light blue-let dry Paint the other two jumbo sticks with silver paint-let dry Paint the two regular sticks white-let dry Decorate the light blue sticks with snowflakes-dip the end of the toothpick into white paint and draw starbursts Glue the three blue sticks together, side by side, the outer two line up and the middle should stick out about ½ Glue the white sticks-one of each side of the blue sticks lining them up in the center of the blue sticks When dry-turn over and attach the mini sticks in the opposite direction on each end, to give it support Glue the silver sticks on their ends-these are the blades Attach a string as the pull cord This is a great multi-step project for the Blue Crew. Please allow a couple of hours for drying time.
Craft Stick Rudolph Ornament Materials: Large craft sticks Glue gun Wiggly eyes Red pompoms Brown paint Ribbon Teacher prep: Glue gun 3 large craft sticks together to form a very fat triangle which will be a reindeer head for each child The two sticks should not quite meet at the top two corners so that they form two small antler points Cut a piece of ribbon for each child Child s Process: Paint the reindeer head brown Glue on eyes Glue on a red pompom nose Glue each end of a ribbon about 2 inches apart to the back of the head so you can hang it
Marble Paint Candy Canes Materials: White construction paper Red paint Shallow container Marbles Spoon Cup Red glitter Teacher prep: Cut a white construction paper candy cane for each child Pour red paint in a cup Drop a few marbles in the cup Child s Process: Place the candy cane in the shallow container Scoop the marbles out of the paint Drop them in the container on the candy cane Gently roll the container rolling the marbles over the paper Sprinkle candy cane with red glitter
Gingerbread Men Materials: Marker Brown construction paper Decorating materials Ribbon Hole punch Teacher prep: Cut a gingerbread man out of construction paper for each child Child s Process: Decorate the gingerbread man: - glue collage materials on him - color with crayons - glue candy on him - embellish with yarn - paint him Punch a hole in the top of his head Tie on a ribbon to make it into an ornament
Paper Plate Angel Materials: Paper plates Stapler Scissors Glue Construction paper Tape Crayons Teacher prep: Cut paper plates in half Roll the half paper plates into a cone and staple Cut arms and wings from the other half of the paper plates Cut a face, hands and hair out of construction paper Child s Process: Glue the wings and arms onto the angel body (the cone) Glue the hands on Decorate the face with crayons Glue the face onto the hair Tape the head onto the cone Roll a piece of aluminum foil into a thin cord Bend it into a circle making it a halo Tape it on the back of the angels head
Stocking Materials: Red construction paper Cotton balls Hole punch Yarn Scissors Glue Glitter Teacher prep: Cut two stocking shapes out of construction paper for each child Punch holes around the edge of each pair of stockings Tie a long piece of yarn to the end of each pair of stockingstying them together Child s Process: Lace the yarn around the edge of the stocking Tie the yarn off and trim Glue cotton balls on the top edge of the stocking Write your name with glue on the stocking Sprinkle glitter over the glue
Stained Glass Holiday Art Materials: Construction paper Tissue paper Contact Paper Tape Teacher prep: Cut a large supply of tissue paper squares Cut a construction paper frame of a holiday shape for each child (see picture example below) For example cut a tree, bell, snowman, star, etc. paper frame Cut two 8 ½ by 11 sheets of contact paper for each child Child s Process: Unpeel one piece of contact paper Use the piece of contact paper sticky side up as a base Cover the sticky side with tissue paper squares Secure another piece of contact paper on top of it Place the shaped frame over it Tape the frame in place
Personalized Handprint Tree Materials: Large white construction paper Yellow construction paper Brown marker Green and red paint Paper plates Glue stick Teacher prep: Cut a yellow construction paper star for each child Draw a brown tree stump on the bottom center of a piece of large white construction paper for each child Pour green and red paint onto separate paper plates Child s Process: Dip your hand into the green paint Help each child make 5 rows of hand prints creating a tree Make two rows of four hand prints as the bottom of the tree Above that make a row of three, two, then one hand print as the top of the tree (see picture below) Dip your finger tip in the red paint Dot red paint on the tree with your finger as ornaments Glue the construction paper star on the top of the tree
Sugar Cone Holiday Tree Materials: Wax paper Chocolate chips Ice cream cones Gumdrops Assorted candy sprinkles for decorating Shallow bowl Teacher prep: Purchase materials Cut a piece of wax paper for each child Child s Process: Work on a piece of wax paper Microwave chocolate chips in a shallow bowl until it starts to melt Stir until smooth Roll the cone in chocolate with two fingers inside cone to hold it Lift cone out with two fingers inside the cone Place a gumdrop on top and press gently Gumdrop should make it easier to stand the cone up on the wax paper Decorate the tree with assorted candy sprinkles Let decorated "trees" stand until chocolate hardens
Holiday Chains Materials: Construction paper Scissors Glue sticks Teacher prep: Cut several strips of construction paper about one and a half inches wide and six inches Child s Process: Glue the first strip into a loop Thread the second strip through the loop Glue it into a loop Continue until your chain is long
Paper Plate Wreath Materials: Paper plates Scissors Green paint Red tissue paper Glue Hole punch Ribbon Teacher prep: Cut a hole in the center of the paper plate for each child (so that you have a ring that is about three inches wide) Pour green paint into container Cut some red tissue paper into 2 inch squares Child s Process: Paint the paper plate ring green Crumple up red tissue paper squares Glue the red tissue balls onto the wreath randomly to make berries Punch a hole in the top Thread the ribbon through to hang the wreath
Handprint Menorah Materials: White construction paper Yellow and blue paint Glitter Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Dip your hands into blue paint Make two blue handprints together on the paper Note that the thumbs should overlap creating 9 candles Wash your hands Dip your fingertip into the yellow paint Dot each candle creating the flame with your finger Use your thumb to make the middle flame on the biggest candle Sprinkle the flames with glitter to make shine
Star of David Materials: Glue gun Craft sticks Paint Glitter Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: With help- glue gun a star of David by gluing six craft sticks together Paint the star Sprinkle with glitter
Kwanza Unity Cup Materials: Black, red, green and yellow paint Paper cups Glitter Teacher prep: Gather materials Child s Process: Paint the cup black Let dry Decorate it using red, green and yellow paint Sprinkle with glitter
New Year s Resolution Materials: Paper Markers String Teacher prep: Provide materials Child s Process Come up with a resolution Trace and cut out your hand shape Write your resolution down on the palm of the hand Fold all the fingers down except the pointer Tie a string bow around the finger as a reminder Attach a magnet, hang on the refrigerator
New Years Eve Shakers Materials: Small water bottles New Years Eve confetti Glitter Shredded tissue paper Sequins Colorful marbles or beads Stickers Glue gun Teacher prep: Gather, clean and dry a small water bottle for each child Gather all other materials Child s Process: Choose several of the items and drop them inside the water bottle Glue gun the lid on the bottle Decorate the outside of the bottle with stickers
Count Down Clocks Materials: Paper plates Black construction paper Brads Foam numbers Scissors Glue Teacher prep: Purchase foam numbers Cut two black construction paper clock hands for each child Child s Process: Glue foam numbers around the edge of the paper plate making it into a clock Poke a brad through the ends of the two clock arms Poke a small hole through the middle of the plate Attach the arms to the clock through the hole Close the back of the brad loose enough so the arms move Blue Crew children can write the numbers on their clock with a marker instead of gluing on foam numbers
New Years Eve Crown Materials: Construction paper Scissors Pipe cleaners Markers Pencil Stapler Hole punch Stickers, glitter, sequins Glue sticks Teacher prep: Cut a four inch wide strip of construction paper for each child Cut out several construction paper circles (2 per child) Write numbers on each circle making them into clocks Wrap pipe cleaners around a pencil to make them into coil shapes (2 per child) Child s Process: Decorate the paper strip with markers and stickers Glue glitter onto the strip to make it sparkle Fit the crown onto each child s head and staple Punch two holes into the front of the crown Attach a pipe cleaner through each hole Last tape a clock on the end of each pipe cleaner
Party Hat Materials: Construction paper Scissors Stapler Pretend gems Glue Glitter, ribbon, stickers Crayons Teacher prep: Roll construction paper into a cone shape Manipulate it to fit each child s head Staple and trim as needed Child s Process: Decorate the hat- color on it with crayons Glue on gems, glitter, ribbon, etc. Stick stickers onto it Wear!