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."
Early Childhood Education Newsletter, November 21, 2005
ACTIVITY
IDEAS
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.
ON
THE WEB
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%20Snowflakes
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://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/holiday_decorations_ms/
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