Join us as we will covering a theme unit on Christmas
Books:
Baby to Preschool
B Is for Bethlehem: A Christmas Alphabet by Isabel Wilner
Christmas Baby by Margaret Miller
Clifford’s First Christmas by Norman Bridwell
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
Elmo’s 12 Days of Christmas by Sarah Albee, Maggie Swanson (Illustrator)
Max’s Christmas Board Book by Rosemary Wells
My First Christmas Touch and Feel by Staff of Dorling Kindersley Publishing
One Baby Jesus: A New Twelve Days of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry
Poky Little Puppy’s First Christmas by Manufactured by Golden Books
Santa Mouse by Michael Brown
Spot’s First Christmas by Eric Hill, Margaret Frith (Illustrator)
The Story of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry
Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry
Ages 4 and up
Arthur’s Perfect Christmas by Marc Tolon Brown
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Peanuts) by Charles M. Schulz
Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck, Laura Godwin
Christmas in the Big Woods (My First Little House Books Series) by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Christmas Alphabet by Robert Sabuda
Corduroy’s Christmas by Don Freeman, B. G. Hennessy
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans, Daniel Craig (Illustrator)
Light the Lights!: A Story about Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by Margaret Moorman
Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
The Night Before Christmas by Robert Sabuda, Clement Clarke Moore
Olive, the Other Reindeer by by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell
Too Many Tamales by by Gary Soto
Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe, Michael Glenn Monroe (Illustrator)
Emergent Reader Holiday Books (you can print online)
Maureen Tumenas, a former kindergarten teacher, wrote these emergent reader books. Important: They are designed to be copied back to back and stacked on top of each other.
These are PDF files.
Christmas Lights
Here Is Santa
I Can See Christmas
I see Hanukkah
Brown Reindeer, Brown Reindeer, What Do You See?
Internet Resources
Online Holiday Coloring
http://funschool.kaboose.com/preschool/holiday-fun/games/game_holiday_coloring_pages.html
Christmas – Teacher Resources from Teacher Vision
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/christmas/celebrations-and-festivals/6604.html?detoured=1&_R=1
Santa’s Christmas Library (for coloring sheets, crafts, songs and more)
http://www.12days.com/library/default.htm
Preschool Christmas theme from Child’s Play Family Center
http://www.angelfire.com/dc/childsplay/Christmas_Theme.htm
First School Preschool Christmas and Winter Holidays
http://www.first-school.ws/THEME/h_wholidays.htm
Childfun Christmas Theme
http://childfun.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=3
Christmas Activities from Activity Village
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/christmas_pages.htm
A to Z Christmas theme
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Christmas/
Web Resources
http://www.k-3learningpages.net/web%20christmas.htm
Christmas Theme Unit
http://home.centurytel.net/mrs_browns_classroom/pages/merry_christmas.htm
Printables
Coloring pages and assorted Holiday printables
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Printables/Christmas/index.shtml
Christian Christmas Coloring pages
http://coloringbookfun.com/christian/index.htm
Christmas Printables
http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/christmas/xmas-printables.html
Preschool Printables File Folder games (Christmas Tree Shape Match)
http://www.preschoolprintables.com/filefolder/tree/filefoldertree.shtml
Christmas Printables
http://palmdate.tripod.com/Christmas/printables.htm
Christmas at KidSparkz.com
http://www.kidsparkz.com/christmasprintables.html
Group Discussion:
1. Talk about how our families celebrate the holiday season> Does your family celebrate Christmas? If not, What holiday do you celebrate? Discuss what types of food you eat during the holidays.3. Our Family Christmas Tree
All children enjoy telling about what they do to get ready for Christmas. Lead children through the group discussion
2. Gift giving.
What can you give to someone? Lead students through a discussion about gifts they can give others. Gifts that cost money or gifts that do not cost anything (ex. helping with dishes, etc.)
Group Activities:
1. Santa’s Toy Shop
Put different spots on your floor (use tape, paper bags, hula hoops, etc.). Put different toys on each spot. Tell your kids that they need to test out new toys for them. Play music and tell the children they have one song to play at an area and then one the music stops they move to the next area
2. Christmas Bingo
Play Christmas bingo with your children! Make a bingo card with different Christmas shapes on it (Christmas Trees, Stockings, Reindeer, Fireplaces, Santa, Ornaments). Next make Rudolph Nose markers (red circles). Have your children cover the shape you call or hold up larger pictures of them.
3. Big & Little Christmas Trees
Call out big, medium, and little and have your children to be that size of Christmas Tree.
Big: stand up with feet together and put hands above head in a point
Middle: Squat knees together and put hands above head in a point
Little: Sit down with legs crossed and put hands above head in a point
4. Pass The Christmas Fun
Have all your children sit in a circle. Have them all pass something fun (candy, small toys, crayons, etc) Have them pass the item around the circle (once they have one mastered you can have them pass two, one clockwise and one counter-clockwise) Play music and when you stop the music the child that is holding the item gets to keep it and then give one to another child that has not yet received an item. Continue the game until everyone has an item.SOURCE: http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/christmas/games.htm
Games:
1. Santa’s Bean Bag Toss
Decorate a large paper bag or cardboard box with Christmas wrap, ribbons, and pictures of Christmas toys and candy (Santa’s bag). Tie ribbons around bean bags to make “gifts” to toss into Santa’s bag.
2. Ring the Bell Game
Using a large (4 foot x 3 foot) piece of heavy duty cardboard, cut a large bell shape from the center. Add ribbons with jingle bells attached to hang from the open middle area. The children threw bean bags through the bell to “Ring the Bell”. Great for hand-eye coordination and throwing skills!
3. BOOK PASS
Wrap a small book, one for each child, give them each one sitting in a circle, read “The Gingerbread Man” story and each time you say the word “RAN” they pass the book to the person to the right, continue with story, and once book is done, what ever book they end up with they keep. EVERYONE is a winner.
4. FILL THE STOCKING:
divide into two teams
For each team you need a medium bowl, serving spoon, Christmas stocking ~ medium size, and wrapped candy.
Each child takes a turn spooning up some candy and walking across the room to put in stocking. Once every one has had a turn see whose team has the most candy.
Or play until the stocking is full, first team to fill wins.
5. GIFT WRAP RELAY
Wrap empty boxes up, divide into two teams, put a stack of presents across from teams. One child from each team goes to pile gets a gift unwraps it then goes back to line for the next child to go, the first team to unwrap the stack of presents wins.
6. PIN THE NOSE ON RUDOLPH / PUT THE HAT ON FROSTY/ STICK THE BOW TO THE PRESENT
All can be done like Pin the tail on the donkey!
7. SNOWBALL TOSS
Use white Styrofoam balls to throw into a pail or bucket, Person that gets the most in wins.
8. Let’s All Do a Little Clapping
(Tune: We Wish You A Merry Christmas)
Let’s all do a little clapping,
let’s all do a little clapping,
let’s all do a
little clapping, & spread Christmas cheer.
Other Actions:
Jumping
Snapping
Twirling
Stomping
Stretching
Bending
SOURCES:
http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/christmas/more.htm
Fingerplays and Songs:
Christmastime
sung to “This Old Man”
Christmastime, Christmastime,
Is a very special time,
With a tree and gifts and goodies to eat.
Christmastime is really neat!
Christmas Song – sung to “I’m A Little Teapot”
I’m a little snowman, round and fat,
Here is my scarf and here is my hat.
When Christmas comes around just hear me shout,
“Here comes Santa. You better watch out!”
Christmas Star – sung to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
Twinkle, twinkle, Christmas star,
Way up high is where you are.
Shining there for all to see,
On the tiptop of our tree.
Twinkle, twinkle, star so bright,
Shine up there till morning light.
Jingle Bells
Jingle Bells. Jingle Bells.
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh –
Jingle Bells. Jingle Bells.
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!
Little Green Tree – sung to “I’m A Little Teapot”
I’m a little green tree in the house,
Here is my trunk,
(Raise arms up straight.)
Here are my boughs.
(Hold arms out to sides.)
Decorate me now with lights so fine,
(Move hands back and forth across body.)
Then plug me in and watch me shine!
(Hold arms out to sides and smile.)
Ring, Ring, Ring The Bells – sung to “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
Ring, ring, ring the bells.
Ring them loud and clear.
To tell the children everywhere
That Christmas time is here.
Where Is Santa? – sung to “Are You Sleeping?”
Where is Santa? Where is Santa?
(Put hands behing back.)
Here I am! Here I am!
(Make a big belly with arms.)
Merry, Merry Christmas!
(Sing in Santa voice.)
Merry, Merry Christmas!
Ho-ho-ho! Ho-ho-ho!
(Put hands behind back.)
The Reindeer Pokey – sung to “The Hokey Pokey”
You put your antlers in.
You put your antlers out.
You put you antlers in,
And you shake them all about.
You do the Reindeer Pokey,
And you turn yourself around.
That’s what it’s all about!
You put your hooves in….
You put your red nose in….
You put your fluffy tail in…
You put your reindeer body in…
S-A-N-T-A
(Tune: Bingo)
We’ll Decorate The Tree
(Tune: The Farmer in the Dell)http://stepbystepcc.com/holidays/christmas2.html
http://www.theteachersroom.com/christmas.htm
There was a man in a big red suit and Santa was his name-o
S – A – N – T -A
S – A – N – T -A
S – A – N – T -A
and Santa was his name-o!
We’ll decorate the tree,
We’ll decorate the tree.
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmastime,
We’ll decorate the tree.
The presents we will wrap,
The presents we will wrap.
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmastime,
The presents we will wrap.
Carols we will sing,
Carols we will sing.
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmastime,
Carols we will sing.
SOURCES:
For more Christmas Songs visit these sites,
Favorites: Songs and Carols
http://www.santas.net/songs.htm
Broken Claw’s Christmas Carols
http://blog.brokenclaw.net/carols
Christmas Songs
http://www.catholic.net/christmas_songs/template_channel.phtml?channel_id=17
The twelve days of Christmas
http://www.12days.com/library/carols/
Christmas Songs and Plays
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/songs.html
Language Arts:
1. Christmas Words
2. Letter Match
You can use any holiday symbols for this game. I chose trees and ornaments. Photocopy each symbol 26 times. Program one set with uppercase letters and the other with lowercase letters. Laminate. To play the children match all the upper and lowercase letters..
3. Predictable Charts
Make a predictable chart with things your students.
I hope to find __________ under my Christmas tree.
All I want for Christmas is __________.
I love to give __________ to others.
I looked in my stocking and found __________.
If I went to the North Pole I would see __________.
Encourage children to illustrate their sentence WITH ASSISTANCE.
Laminate, bind and place in the classroom library
4. Positional Words Activity
Rudolph is a stick puppet who illustrates some positional words as he flies. He ends up falling off a roof and landing in a snowdrift (a pocket covered with cottonballs.) Directions to make this book can be found in Kim’s kid-made books at:http://www.kindernetonline.com/misc.html
Here are the instructions to make your own!Christmas Book: “Reindeer Instructions”
The sentences for this book can be written with a ‘sharpie’ marker and run off onto light blue 9×12 construction paper, two book pages per sheet. A Carson-Dellosa reindeer is a perfect book manipulative.
The Pages:
1. Fly over trees. (Students draw trees.)
2. Fly under wires. (Glue 2 brown ‘telephone poles’, with 2 pieces of string suspended across, glued under the pole tops.)
3. Fly around airplanes. (Students draw an airplane.)
4. Fly through clouds. (Spread apart a cottonball and glue the
pieces down randomly.)
5. Land carefully. (Draw a house with a big roof and chimney. Spread the roof with glue and sprinkle on white glitter for snow.)
6. Oooooooops! (Half the house is drawn near the binding……just enough to show that the house is there……..the reindeer slide off the roof and into the snow below! For the snow below, tape or glue a piece of scrap paper, on three sides, to create a ‘pocket’, and cover it with cottonballs or white glitter. Now it will look like the reindeer slid off the roof, and is head first in the snow, but we know he’s safe in his pocket!)
The Cover:
The cover is made from a bright red 12×18, cut “hotdog”, and folded over so the pages can be stapled inside. “Reindeer Instructions” is run off on bright green, cut with fancy-edged scissors, and glued on the cover. Using tape to reinforce and a small hole punch, attach to the book a 5″-6″ piece of red yarn near the bottom of the binding. Attach a reindeer to the other end of the yarn. This reindeer “travels” the book page by page, following the instructions, then landing in the pocket.
Flannel Board/Dimensional Story
“Santa” from the Christmas Song Book by Shelley Lovett
For words and patterns, visit
http://www.earlylearningactivities.com/PDF/christmassongbooks.pdf
“Santa” (to the tune of B-I-N-G-O)
There was a man in a big white beard and Santa was his name-o
S – A – N – T -A
S – A – N – T -A
S – A – N – T -A
and Santa was his name-o!
There was a man with a big red nose and Santa was his name-o
(clap) A – N – T -A
(clap) A – N – T -A
(clap) A – N – T -A
and Santa was his name-o!
There was a man with a big loud laugh and Santa was his name-o
(clap) (clap) N – T -A
(clap) (clap) N – T -A
(clap) (clap) N – T -A
and Santa was his name-o!
There was a man with a big round tummy and Santa was his name-o
(clap) (clap) (clap) T -A
(clap) (clap) (clap) T -A
(clap) (clap) (clap) T -A
and Santa was his name-o!
There was a man with a big red suit and Santa was his name-o
(clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) A
(clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) A
(clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) A
and Santa was his name-o!There was a man with a eight reindeer and Santa was his name-o
(clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap)
(clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap)
(clAp) (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap)
and Santa was his name-o!
Cognitive/Manipulative/Sensory:
Cognition-
Christmas Cookie Cutter Match Up
On white poster paper, trace around 5 to 10 Christmas cookie cutter shapes with a felt tip marker. Cover the poster paper with clear contact paper to protect ~ the game will last longer! Provide the cookie cutter shapes along with the “game board” and have the children match all the shapes.
Manipulative-
Christmas Stockings
Sensory-
1. The Smells of Christmas – Preschool Sensory Activity
Preschoolers will use their noses to guess what’s inside containers. Place different smelling Christmas items into individual containers (or individual clean socks) that prevent children from seeing what’s inside. Preschoolers will smell each container and guess what’s inside.
Great smelling items for this activity include:
peppermint candy
cinnamon stick
a snip of Christmas tree
gingersnap cookie
cloves.
Scratch and sniff books such as The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry [Golden Books, 2003] can also give preschoolers opportunities to use their sense of smell at a science table.
2.Shiny or Dull Sorting Science ActivityShiny things reflect light while dull items don’t reflect light well. A high interest science lesson for Christmas, preschoolers will have fun shining a flashlight on items to determine whether the item is shiny or dull. Many Christmas items are shiny and plenty are dull so this activity acquaints preschoolers with popular items associated with Christmas. Books to add next to this science activity are Is it Rough? Is it smooth? Is it shiny? by Tana Hoban [Greenwillow, 1984] and Shiny and Dull by Angela Royston [Heinemann, 2003].Shiny items include:
tinsel
foil wrapping paper
ornaments
metallic ribbon
jingle bells
metallic Christmas cards
glittery items.
Examples of dull items for this activity are:
felt Christmas stocking
flat toned wrapping paper
miniature Christmas wreath
candle
ornaments made of fabric
ribbon
A preschool Christmas themed science center adds hands-on learning fun to a classroom. Young children will spend plenty of time immersed in science activities at a science table with a Christmas theme. Engage young children with holiday activities that use the senses and explore science in a fun way.
SOURCE: http://preschool.suite101.com/article.cfm/christmas_science_center_ideas_for_children
Science:
Pinecone Science Center Activity
A collection of different sizes and types of pinecones can be explored and sorted by young children. Science investigation tools for pinecone exploration include:
magnifying glass
tape measure
tongs
divided containers such as muffin tins, ice cube trays and egg cartons
paint chips in brown tones books about pinecones such as From Pinecone to Pine Tree by Ellen Weiss [Children’s Press(CT), 2007] that show preschoolers the purpose of pinecones and why trees produce pinecones
Preschool teachers may want to make a simple size gauge by tracing three different sized ovals onto a large piece of construction paper and laminating the paper. Teachers can label the ovals “small”, “medium” and “large”. Preschoolers will be able to lay the pine cones on top of the ovals to gauge the size of each pinecone. In addition, teachers can set three containers in the Christmas science center and tape a small oval to one container, a medium oval to a second container and a large oval to a third container. Preschoolers may choose to sort the pinecones by size. A similar activity can be set up using paint chips so that children can sort pinecones according to color shade.
Math:
1. Christmas Tree Matching Game
Print out an instant Christmas Tree Matching Game from
Preschool Printables.
http://www.preschoolprintables.com/filefol…oldertree.shtml
2. Jingle Bell Sorting
Collect several types of bells.
Have the children sort them according to size or color.
The children always love this center because they love ringing those bells!
3. Christmas Chain
At the beginning of December have the children make paper chains. Put enough links for each day leading up to Christmas. Attach the chains to a paper bell with the following poem:
How many days till Christmas?
It’s mighty hard to tell
Take off a link every night
When the Sandman cast his spell
And Christmas Eve will be here
By the time you reach the bell.
The children take the chains home and take off one link every night to count down the days until Christmas.
-OR-
Attach chains to a big yellow star and use this poem:
Each evening when goodnights are said,
Take off one link and hop into bed.
When only the star is left to shine,
Then you will know it’s Christmastime!
4. Math concepts
Make a snowman with different sizes of paper plates or with white construction paper. Ask your child to identify the Top, Middle, and Bottom of the snowman. Discuss which part is bigger, smaller and largest. .
Coloring Pages:
http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/christmas/coloringpage.php
http://www.preschoolcoloringbook.com/color/cpchristmas.shtml
http://www.first-school.ws/THEME/cp_h_christmas.htm
http://www.free-coloring-pages.com/
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/christmas/
http://www.coloringpages.net/christmas.html
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/fun_activities/coloring_pages/holidayseasonal/christmas/
http://coloringbookfun.com/
Art and Craft Projects:
Christmas Wreath
Cut a wreath shape out of cardboard, glue cheerios to the cardboard, spray paint green, after dry add berries(cheerios sprayed red) and a bow. Kids love to do this…make sure you have enough cheerios for eating, because it is one for the wreath, one for me etc.
felt Christmas stocking
flat toned wrapping paper
miniature Christmas wreath
candle
ornaments made of fabric
ribbon
Pinecone Science Center Activity
magnifying glass
tape measure
tongs
paint chips in brown tones books about pinecones such as From Pinecone to Pine Tree by Ellen Weiss [Children’s Press(CT), 2007] that show preschoolers the purpose of pinecones and why trees produce pinecones
Have the children sort them according to size or color.
The children always love this center because they love ringing those bells!
At the beginning of December have the children make paper chains. Put enough links for each day leading up to Christmas. Attach the chains to a paper bell with the following poem:
It’s mighty hard to tell
Take off a link every night
When the Sandman cast his spell
And Christmas Eve will be here
By the time you reach the bell.
Take off one link and hop into bed.
When only the star is left to shine,
Then you will know it’s Christmastime!
Make a snowman with different sizes of paper plates or with white construction paper. Ask your child to identify the Top, Middle, and Bottom of the snowman. Discuss which part is bigger, smaller and largest. .
http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/christmas/coloringpage.php
http://www.preschoolcoloringbook.com/color/cpchristmas.shtml
http://www.first-school.ws/THEME/cp_h_christmas.htm
http://www.free-coloring-pages.com/
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/christmas/
http://www.coloringpages.net/christmas.html
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/fun_activities/coloring_pages/holidayseasonal/christmas/
http://coloringbookfun.com/
Holiday Wreath
One clear round ornament
Acrylic paints (various colors)
Candy Cane Art Project
This is a quick and easy art project that the children always love! Ahead of time cut some 1 x 1 inch squares of red and white paper. Cut green construction paper in half and draw a candy cane shape on it (I always draw one on each side). The children put glue along the candy cane line and then stick on their red and white squares in a pattern. When dry, hang from the ceiling.
Christmas Tree Marble Painting
Have children trace and cut out green Christmas trees. Place in a box top. Dip marbles (or jingle bells!) into paint and drop into the box tops. Have the children roll the marbles onto the tree by holding the box top and slowly moving it back and forth. Have the children use various colors of paint. Allow to dry and then have the children glue on sequins and beads for more decorations
Silver Bells
Give each child 2 styrofoam cups. Poke a hole in the bottom of each one. Cover the cups with aluminum foil (Add further embellishments, if you wish. LOL) Put a colored pipe cleaner through the inside of the cup and bend to hold. Tie the bells together at the top. The children love to make these, & they make great gifts for the parents. You can even add a small jingle bell to the pipe cleaner clapper—so the bells can really ring!
Tree Ornaments
Print using card stock, have kids color, laminate, put on tree. Click here for pattern.
http://stepbystepcc.com/holidays/ornament.html
Pasta Christmas Wreaths
Supplies: Small Paper Plates, A Variety of Different Shaped Pasta, Craft Glue, Silver or Gold Spray Paint, Tinsel Bow
Cut center out of the paper plate. Glue pasta noodles around the outer ring. Try to completely cover the paper plate. Let glue dry and then spray paint the desired color. Embellish with a bow of tinsel.
Clothespin Angel
For more Craft ideas, visit
http://stepbystepcc.com/holidays/christmas2.html
http://www.preschooleducation.com/achristmas.shtml
SOURCES:
http://stepbystepcc.com/holidays/christmas2.html
http://www.theteachersroom.com/christmas.htm
Use the little pretzels (the ones that are shaped like a heart with a cross in the middle). Glue 1 layer of them in a circle like a wreath, then glue a second layer on top of the first joining the pretzels together over the middle of a pretzel on the first layer. You can weave ribbon between the holes if you would like. Hang with a ribbon.
This is an inexpensive gift that teacher can make and put in children’s stocking.
What You Need:
Candy canes
Brown pipe cleaners
Small wiggle eyes
Mini red or black cotton balls
What You Do:
Wrap the pipe cleaners around the top of the cane and shape to resemble antlers, glue on eyes, and cottons balls for nose. Tie it with a ribbon and put in children’s stocking
Take a baby food jar. Tear different colored pieces of tissue paper. Cover the jar using a paintbrush with glue diluted slightly with water and attach the pieces of tissue paper. Throw a few sprinkles of gold or silver sparkles. Add ribbon around the top and place small votive candle in jar. Before making test candle size with baby food jar, as not all jars are the same so the candle sometimes will not fit.
Purchase clear plastic cups (8 oz.). In a small margarine tub pour white glue and dilute with water. Tear red and green tissue paper into small pieces. With a paintbrush let children paint the glue mixture onto the outside of the plastic cup then put tissue pieces on top of glue. Have them cover the entire cup. Let dry. Now a tea light candle can be placed inside and when lit shows the Christmas colors beautifully.
Each child needs a bar of soap and a pretty sticker. If your stickers are a little large they will completely cover up the soap “name” on the bar (if it is marked). Have the children each choose a favorite sticker, unwrap the bar of soap, and place the sticker on top. Melts a bar of paraffin (like canning wax–very inexpensive). ( melt the paraffin in a pie tin placed on top of saucepan, kind of like a double boiler). When the wax is melted you dip the top of the soap into the wax to seal the sticker. Then the sticker will last a long time and not come off when the soap gets wet. The paraffin not only seals–it makes the soap very shiny and pretty. After it cools it is ready to be wrapped and given away. The children enjoy making something that their parents can really use! These make nice Mother’s Day presents too–Mom could put them in a drawer, like a sachet. You could use pastel soaps too and flower stickers.
Foam Magnets
Get a sheet of Fun Foam, a package of Christmas stickers, & a strip of self- adhesive magnet. Cut the Fun Foam in squares bigger than the sticker, & the magnet in about 1/2″ pieces. Give each child a piece of foam, a sticker, & a magnet. Put the sticker on the foam, trim around it as desired (leave some color from the foam showing as a border) & stick the magnet on the back. These are great for any holiday/occasion. A variation is to hot-glue a pin back to it instead of the magnet.
Simple Picture Frame Magnet
Glue wide tongue depressors in a rectangle shape. Have the children paint them & then glue crayons on the four sides. Then put a photo on the back, fitting it into the frame. Cover the back & add a magnet.
Puzzle Picture Frame
Pick up jigsaw puzzles at garage sales (the more colorful the better). Then take popsicle sticks & make a triangle shape (hot gluing them together). Then hot glue the jigsaw pieces on the popsicle sticks (as wide as you can, leaving enough space in the middle to attach the child’s picture to the back) then cut out poster board in the same size as the triangle & hot glue it behind the picture. Attach string or ribbon to hang this ornament to your tree or a magnet. *Variation: Cut out a circle probably the size of a margarine container, & cut out a circle in the middle big enough to place the child’s photo in. Cover with puzzle pieces. Leave the puzzle pieces plain or spray paint them green to look like a wreath. Attach a small bow at the top.
Puzzle Pieces Frame
Several handfuls of miscellaneous puzzle pieces
Spray paint or craft paint
“Tacky” glue
Spray clear acrylic paint (optional)
Felt Hanging ribbon or magnet
Scrounge into the toy bin and make good use of old puzzles. Spray or brush paint both sides of your puzzle pieces. Arrange your puzzle pieces into frames. Carefully glue pieces together. (Spray frame with clear acrylic if paint is dull.) Glue photo to back of frame and cover with felt. Attach hanging ribbon under felt or magnet on felt.
Source: http://childfun.com/
Scissors
Flour Tortillas
Oil
Pan
Powder Sugar
OR
Make tortilla snowflakes as above. Spread butter on one side of the tortilla and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar
Ice Cream Cone Christmas Trees
Ice Cream Cones – Sugar Cones
Green Frosting
Candy Items
For 1 sandwich:
1/2 slice of bread that has been cut diagonally
peanut butter
pretzel twists
2 brown M&Ms
1 red M&M
Spread the peanut butter on the bread. Add 2 brown M&M eyes, a red M&M nose, and pretzel antlers.
Reindeer Treat Cup Cakes
Prepare or buy frosting/ icing and color it brown with food coloring
break pretzels in half for two antlers and insert on either side of the cup cake
Nose: Half a maraschino cherry
Eyes: Small Hershey kisses or other small candy (M&M’s) for eyes
You need an 8oz. clear plastic cup,1 quart of vanilla ice cream and 1 quart of strawberry ice cream and peppermint extract. Mix the extract in the vanilla ice cream. Then make layers of vanilla-strawberry, vanilla-strawberry until you reach the top. This is a candy cane treat. My kids love it and it helps them learn to pattern.
Christmas Trees
You take a waffle cone and turn it upside down. Then let the children “paint” green icing on their cones. After they have painted the icing on, let them decorate with candies (mini M&M’s work GREAT!). When the are through they will have their own Christmas Tree complete all the ornaments to enjoy by EATING!
Snowman cookies
graham cracker crumbs (about 10 whole crackers) peanut butter (18ou) 2-1/4 cups powdered sugar 1 stick margarine white chocolate (several bags of chips)
Mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, margarine and peanut butter. Roll into balls. Stick into freezer for a few minutes to chill. Melt white chocolate chips. Stick a toothpick into the chilled dough and dip each cookie into the white chocolate. Stack 3 balls on top of each other to form a snowman. Use sprinkles/candy for eyes, nose, mouth, and buttons.
Sources:
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/holiday_themes/christmas_snacks.html
Preschool Themes 