Volume 3, Issue 21
November 21, 2005
Easy Gifts to Make
WELCOME! to Education World's Early Childhood Newsletter. Every other week, I'll share some
ideas on a familiar teaching theme. Hopefully you will find a new activity idea or two -- or a new
twist on one of your old favorites! Since I know you are very busy, I'll be short and sweet -- like
most of activities I suggest.
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As the holidays
approach, most children like to recite their wish lists for Santa. This year, invite students to
help create another list -- one that reflects ways your children can give to others. Most young
children are delighted to give others. It makes them feel good about themselves and provides them
a chance to begin learning about having compassion. The December holidays are an opportunity to
"teach" children that acts of kindness as well as hand-made gifts can be shared with others
to let them know you care. In this issue, we have included some simple gift ideas for you to try.
Use them to encourage a season of "great and generous giving."
Susan LaBella
Editor, Early Childhood Education Newsletter
CANS CAN
Invite children to donate canned or boxed foods that are nonperishable. Once you have received donations,
invite a representative from the food pantry to pick up the food. Ask the representative to thank
the children personally for their generosity.
GO CAROLING
Help children learn some simple holiday songs. Then record their singing on tapes to send home as
gifts for families. Your students' holiday caroling could also brighten the day of
--- a local day care center,
--- a nursing home, or
--- other classrooms in your school.
WHAT'S THAT SCENT?
Precut five-by-five inch squares of colorful fabric. Next take children on a walk outdoors to collect
handfuls of pine needles. Help children place some pine needles on the wrong side of fabric pieces.
Let children sprinkle the pine needles with clove or cinnamon. Next help children gather up the
fabric and secure it tightly with a rubber band. Add colorful yarn for a sweet-smelling gift!
SOMETHING'S SOAPY
First, combine 4 cups Ivory Soap flakes, enough water to make a thick dough, and a few drops of
food coloring. Next invite children to pat the soap-dough into a 1/2-inch thickness. Help children
use cookie cutters to cut the soap into shapes. Place the shapes on waxed paper and let them dry
(three days to a week). When the shapes are dry, children can package several into plastic bags
ties with ribbon for gift giving.
READ ABOUT GIVING
Read to children The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. Encourage children to think about giving.
Then help children make their own "giving trees." Provide pre-printed templates of a tree
trunk on brown paper and a tree crown on green paper for children to cut out. Next invite children
to write (or you can record their words) a few lines about something they will do for their families
all year long, such as putting away toys or helping with a pet. Children can present their tree
as a special gift to their family.
COOKIE BASKETS
Cut down half-gallon milk cartons (the coated-cardboard ones) and give one to each child. Invite
children to decorate their "basket" using colored construction paper, colored tissues
paper, wall paper, and so on. Next, use refrigerated cookie dough to bake sugar cookies. Let children
decorate them with colored sprinkles or icing. Help children fill their baskets with cookies to
take home for parents and friends.
Check out the following Web sites for more background and activities.
Crystal
Snowflakes
Let your kids make these beautiful snowflakes to hang in the window. http://creativekidsathome.com/activities/activity_76.shtml#Crystal%20Sno...
Holiday Gifts for Kids to Make
Kids will love trying some of these cute gift ideas. http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/gifts_kids_make2-6.htm
Rudolph Puzzle Piece Pin
Invite your children to make these happy holiday pins. http://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/mrudolfpin.html
Arts
and Crafts
A HUGE listing of holiday projects -- for all ages. http://search.familyfun.go.com/?q=Holiday+Crafts&t=4&h=cat_hed_top_craft...
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