"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."
Matthew 2:10
The month of December has been a combination filled with events, sickness, travel, and a bunch of down moments. That stated, enjoy the projects.
Day 7: Snowman Socks!
This project was a joy to do with my son. He wanted to do the entire thing all by himself. Naturally, with all of the little steps he was unable ... at that particular time, of-course.
Material:
- Clean white socks - Clean colorful socks - String or rubber band - Buttons - Small triangular sticker - Small or medium sized wiggly eyes - Rice - Scissors - Ribbon - Pom- Poms
I hope that you enjoy this project as much as we did! Personally, I think that it's very cute.
Prepare
Step 1: Cut just below the tube portion of the sock.
Step 2: Tie a string or rubber band on the bottom.
Step 3: Turn the sock inside out.
Step 4: You can put the sock in a small cup or do like we did ~ my little one held the sock open.
Step 5: Pour in the rice (Suggestion~ add a little cinnamon potpourri for a nice Christmas smell)
Step 6: Tie the top (string or rubber band) Step 7: With the colorful sock cut the tube and 'toe' portion of the socks.
Step 8: With the tube portion ~ roll up the bottom and tie a piece of string on the top. The other piece (shown on the bottom) roll both the top and bottom
Step 9: Squeeze the "sweater" on the snowman.
Step 10: Place the "Hat" on top.
Step 11: Tacky glue the eyes, pom-poms, and end of the hat. Don't forget to stick on the nose.
The little buddy ~ large button, pipe cleaner for the mouth, and pom-poms on the end of the hat.
**Creative, Imaginative, and Enjoyable**
Day 8: Rudolph
Materials:
- Two Clothes pins
- Washable brown paint
- Paintbrush
- Water
- Tacky glue or a hot glue gun
- One red pom-pom
- Two small wiggly eyes
Step 1: Paint the Clothes pins and set to completely dry Step 2: Glue two clothes pins on each other refer to the picture.
Step 3: Glue the pom-poms and eyes.
Optional Step 4: Glue a piece of ribbon on the back and hang on the lovely Christmas Tree.
*** Please stay up-to-date ~ check out my facebook page ~ God Bless***
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased." Luke 2:14
Day 5: Crayon Melt Snowman Today we read a cute little story about determination and true friendship. What a story. 'The Biggest, Best Snowman's main character learns to depend on friends in order to beat the odds regarding those around. A plot that would play a huge part within any young persons life. Various discussions would include self-esteem, self-respect, and kindness towards others.
Following the book was the melted crayon snowman. This activity requires strong adult supervision. My husband and I did this together in order to make sure it goes well.
Materials: - Black paper - White crayon - Markers - Flat heating grill - Foil
Directions: 1. Heat the grill on low 2. Put the foil on the grill (the size of the paper) 3. Put the paper on the foil 4. Depending on the age of the child- either hold the child's hand tight or have the adult quickly draw the circles. That way the little one can color the inside. *Remember to turn off the grill. Simple!
Day 6: Shiny Christmas Tree!
My son had fun doing this tree project. It did however, require a lot of assistance from his mommy! That's okay. I love getting involved.
Materials: - Seven 'shiny' pieces of green paper - tape - Empty paper towel roll - stapler - colorful pom-poms - small black square - tacky glue
**PATIENCE
Directions:
- Fold all of the green paper into a triangle- by folding the right corner to the left side. Puff it out some- this way it will give off a 3D look.
- Cover the entire paper roll with one piece of green shiny paper
- Glue one 'triangle' on the roll (slightly to the right)
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 Day 3 ~ Old Fashion Chain link with a twist.
This time of year is especially important for our family for many MANY reasons.... mainly because of our faith and Love in the Heavenly Father. It is incredibly important to us that we not only pass on our beliefs but, our traditions as well. So, I not only read the story of the birth of our Savior's birth I wrote the story on the chain links. That way, every single day my little one will get another reminder of what we read.
We read the story ~ wrote the story~ put the link in a pattern~ linked them together
Simple and Fun!
Day 4: Dough Ornaments
As I helped my son put on some more ornaments I had to take a step back. A step back because I enjoyed watching him get very excited about finding that perfect limb in order to place the accessory on the tree. In addition to watching him I couldn't help but focus on some of the memories that 'are' attached to some of ornaments for example I picked up a rather old and little ragged angel. It was definitely a special one because on the back it had two names along with... "Our first Christmas." What a special and loving memory!! Strong memories that I truly hold deep!!
Finally after my son was finished with the few left I took out the supplies for the our project. Homemade Dough Ornaments. Needless-to-say, I was very curious as to see if they were going to turn out! Let's me be honest 99 percent of my projects are trial-by-error...as I like.... enjoy rather...making up the stuff I do with my little man!
Today we had some messy fun!! My son really enjoyed making some old fashion dough ornaments.
The Ingredients & Materials:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of salt
- 1/4 cup of cinnamon (used for the scent)
- 3/4 cup of water
- Optional: Rolling pin
- Cookie sheet
- Cookie cutters
We didn't have a rolling pin...so, we just had fun smashing the dough.
This was the hardest part out of the entire project.... Waiting!
Directions:
- Mix the dry ingredients first
- Slowly add the water
- Roll out and smash the dough on the counter
- Press down the cookie cutter - Bake for 2 hours at 250 degrees
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
What a Wonderful time of year! My family and I started off very well and early for a change.That is very huge for our family.I remember last year we didn’t even get our tree until the week before Christmas.So needless-to-say, I was surprised that we actually bought ours early.
This year I challenged myself… a project or something seasonal every single day.
Day 1:Picked out a Tree!
My husband and I did not have any say as to what tree to buy.We left it all up to a cute little four-year-old.Our little one walked around and immediately selected the tree of choice.It was fun watching him go around into the forest of green in order to touch everything. (And, I mean everything!) It was wonderful!!
Can't you tell that he truly LOVES his Daddy!!
Day 2: Decorate the Tree!
What a Wonderful Tradition! Something that I personally enjoy time and time again. What makes it even better than ever ~ watching my little one put the ornaments on one by one. He was incredibly excited which was clearly demonstrated when his pretty blues lit up, took the hooks, and found that special limb on the tree. Absolutely perfect!! If he wasn't 36 pounds he would be my little topper on the tree as my 'Angel'. What Love!
Through all of the exploration, field trips, activities, books, games, lessons, planning, and more this entire process was not only lengthy it was educational for both the teacher and student. That said, this unit worked out slowly due to the process of acquiring knowledge about farms, farm life, who worked on the farms and some of the machines that help on farms. With all that- the main focus was the animals and agriculture. Overall - everything was for the purpose of the realization regarding the process of growth and understanding.
Common Core: Kindergarten Science Life Science: Structures and Functions of Living Organisms. K.1.1.1 and K.1.1.2 - Compare Characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things.
-- Animals, living situations, and food will be compared and contrasted in terms of structure, growth, changes, movement and basic necessities. That was accomplished through discussions, completed projects, open-ended questions, field trips, and the list goes on. Enjoy!!!
Lesson 1: What is a Farm Taking a little one regardless of age to a zoo or petting area would make a great impact on them. The zoo aspect would assist within future lessons and I believe would help with memory recall. Meaning, if you read a book you can always ask afterwards, "remember when..." Usually, at least for my son, he becomes very excited and recalls when, what, and where we saw the visuals ~ specifically! the animals. Personally this was my absolute favorite part because it demonstrated what my little one understood throughout the various academic process, visuals, and overall thematic unit.
Read~ Calliou: A Day at the Farm By: Chouette
This is a simple cute and age appropriate book for small little readers. The storyline shows the one opening the book
about going to a farm, visiting with the animals, and learning about some of the daily functions that help with the day-to-day life.
After reading the book you will have a great opportunity in order to discuss the following:
Animals
What they looked like
The names
The sounds they made
What they ate
Where they slept
The Farm
The animals who live on the farm
The people who take care of the animals
What the animals eat
Be creative - allow the child to answer. I often respond back to my son by asking, "What do you think?" I found that this allows him to use his prior knowledge and own personal thinking in order to come up with his own answer without having my input.
Craft: Making a Barn
As with every lesson implementing and using various recycled material is useful and very helpful. Why buy expensive items when one could use everyday household materials?! In addition -this project will require adult assistance.
Items Needed:
Two Empty cardboard boxes (pref. recycled - one medium and small sized)
Red and White washable paint
Two medium sized paintbrushes
Child sized painting smock
Knife (Adult only)
'The Barn' was an absolute fun and surprisingly not very messy project. The overall time frame took two days from start to finish. My son had this project in his room for over two months playing with it. He truly enjoyed the barn!!!! *One reason to just give little ones cardboard boxes ~ let them become creative through the use of their imagination...that's for another post.
Directions
Set up the painting area and put a smock on the little one.
Prepare the box- outline the windows and barn doors.
3. Paint the white portion. (If done after the red... the white might turn pink)
4. Now for the red.
5. *Adult Only* Cut out the barn door and windows.
6. Do the process all over for the top portion of the barn.
7. Finally, Enjoy!!
Read~ Barn Dance
By: Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
This is a creative little book that ponders the young minds through the entire sense of the imagination world. I absolutely enjoyed the storyline and systematic flow in regards towards the characters. My son wanted me to read this book over and over again. Personally, I think it was because the main character was about a little boy.
Lesson 2: Who works and lives on a Farm
Lesson two was basically discussion time. The process would be to ask open-ended questions for the purpose of gathering insight as to what the child already knows, figured out, and concluded. Afterwards, you would fill in the blanks. Finally, depending on the age of the little one the discussions would be as brief and/or as long as you see fit.
Read: The Farmer in the Dell
Pictures by: Mari Maki Rai
The old fashioned type pictures do the song justice. Colorful and fun. Sing: The Farmer in the Dell. If and when possible use visuals!!
Incorporating singing and movements within the various lessons have the ability in order to improve memory, gross motor skills, and process of thought.
Imaginative Play: Have Fun and Dress Up!!
"I'm a Farmer!", "I'm a Cowboy!", "I'm a __________." Have the child fill in the blank... have fun... allow the little one to explore their creativity!!
Imaginative time or what I like to call, 'Dramatic Play' allows little minds to explore, expand, and feel their personal way through various emotions, lessons, and more. As a teacher, this process is very important. As it allows one in order to really figure out things or make something up. I absolutely love watching growth expand within young ones. Children have such creativity, insight, and more. Allow all of that to flourish.
I know that some think that this 'is not' considered to be an educational tactic- I beg to differ. If one takes way the process regarding the 'explorative' nature of a child they would in essence taking away the very soul of what a child does best ~
play!
Read: The Farm
By: Charles Reasoner
This hard bound book has vibrant colors and animal tabs that would guide young readers. This is an educational short book that gives young readers brief information about a few animals that live on the farm.
Lesson 3: Learning about Crops
This part of the unit one will learn about what kinds of food grows and is harvested on various crop farms. Evaluating and exploring the process of planting, growth, and then, eventually eating the foods is a great learning experience for all.
(Note: Previous Unit: Harvest Apples discusses more on this particular topic)
Enjoying some fresh Veggies!
This within itself can be future unit regarding
Healthy Eating.
Getting the Corn ready for Dinner.
Lesson 4: Animals that Live on the Farm Yay!! We loved this part!
Horses:
Horses in general are such majestic and beautiful animals. The eyes of such creatures feel as though they are piercing through ones soul ~ at least that is how I felt when my son and I were standing next to Cassie (pictured below). A truly humbling experience.
Read: Foul to Horse
By: Discovery Kids
This interesting and educational book has vibrant visuals that would appeal to most readers.
Field Trip: Learning more about Horses.
Again, this part of the entire unit was the most fun! We absolutely LOVE Cassie!! She was incredibly gentle and spirited. She was one beautiful animal that wanted a lot of attention and she certainly got it from us. My son enjoyed himself throughout... petting her, feeding her, picking up her horse 'pucky', walking her, talking to her, and yes, loving her.
Meet Cassie the Horse.
She is an absolute beautiful animal that was incredibly friendly!
Giving Cassie a Snack with Betsy the Dog.
Watching Cassie drink some water.
Learning to feed Cassie some hay. My son enjoyed this. He was up ~ bright and early every morning in order to feed this very hungry animal. She loved the attention that we gave her. What joy!!
This was such a blessing. Taking a wonderful animal for a walk. Personally, I think she enjoyed it more than us! Just for the simple fact she was allowed out of her corral.
Craft: Making a Horse
Free Hand Draw a Horse on some scrap cardboard
Paint the Horse and allow to dry
Cut an 'L' shape piece of cardboard and glue the smaller portion on the back.
Materials:
- Cardboard
- Brown washable paint
- Paint brush
- water
- Scissors
- Tape
Art: Water Color Horse
Free Paint, Let Dry, and glue wiggly eyes.
Materials:
- White construction paper - Black marker - Watercolors - Paint brushes
- Water
- Wiggly Eyes
- Glue
Cows:
Field Trip: Museum
Yes, a slight odd choice in order to learn about cows. Well, in between road trips and observing cows throughout a few states graze pasture lands ... the museum had a bit more educational aspects towards what 'dairy cows' do and actually, offer people. Knowing that, my son was able to look at a short video clip at the museum, listen to a brief documentary (mainly look at a few pictures...it was geared towards older children), and walk around while asking a lot of questions about the large plastic dairy cow.
Craft: Cow - Recycled cardboard
- White and beige paint
- Black marker
- Tape
- Glue Directions:
- Draw a template of the cow.
- Paint the cow and set to dry.
- Color in the black spots of the cow.
- Cut the cow. (adult)
- Tape the 'L' shape cardboard on the back of the cow. This way it will stand up on its own.
Read: Moo, Moo Brown Cow, Have You Any Milk?
By: Phyllis Gershator
A fun little colorful book for little ones! (Not one that exactly explores the farm life. However, one that is a cute read.)
Pigs
Field Trip: Enjoy a Petting Zoo
This was a lot of fun. My husband and I absolutely enjoyed watching our son run around with the animals. His attitude towards the animals was such a delight in that he loved playing with them, running around, and trying to play with them. Afterwards we talked about the colors on the pig, the noises he heard, and where pigs live.
Craft: Making a Pig
Materials:
- Recycled Cardboard
- Pink or Beige Washable Paint
- Tape
- Black Ink
- Scissors
- Painting Smock
Directions:
Just like the horse and cow - draw a pig on the cardboard.
Paint it- set to dry
Cut out (adult only)
Make an 'L' shape again - tape on the back.
Read: Old MacDonald had a Farm
This is a cute edition of the popular story. The felt tabs attract the little ones very easily. Fun!
Why spend a lot of many of expensive toys?! Personally, I don't understand that concept!! Make your own fun items to play with. The imagination that comes from a child is something special that every adult should cherish.
Read: My Big Armarillo
By: Satomi Ichikawa
This story is unlike any within this unit ~ it discusses life and passing. A simple story on paper however, one that truly touches the heart strings of young and old(er) readers. Of-course, it would probably take a bit more discussion afterwards considering the storyline falls along the topic regarding loss. That said- the ultimate focus was about the spirit towards maintaining love for an animal.
Surprisingly, my son enjoyed this story. He wanted me to read it over and over again. Oh, the discussion we had.
Glue the barn Color the Pigs Color 'Armadillo' yellow Color the sky Cut out the white pads- shape them like clouds or just glue on the cotton balls.
Art: Pigs and Barn
Materials:
- White Construction Paper
- Crayons
- Barn cut-out
- Pig templates or you can make your own
- Glue
- White cotton balls or cotton thin face pads
- Scissors
Craft: Paper Mache Pig Materials:
- Balloon
- Pink washable paint
- Pink construction paper ( cut into a triangular shape )
- Black marker
- Tape
- Glue
- Water
- Lots of Newspaper
- Recycled Yogurt cups (5)
- and a Place that is safe to get messy... or, in this case, wet! Very wet ;)
Blow Up the Balloon
Tape Four Recycled Yogurt Cups on Bottom
Tape one short yogurt cup on the side of the Balloon.
Ready to get MESSY!!!! I hope so!! Yes, I helped my son with this.
Mix the water and glue together in the pan.
Dip the newspaper lightly into the pan.
Hold the newspaper up and swipe the excess water off into the pan.
Lay the newspaper over the balloon in different directions on top of each each.
Put several layers of newspaper all over.
Set the project aside and allow to completely dry.
Day 2: Time to Paint. Paint and set to dry.
Day 3: Make the ears. Cut the pink construction paper into triangular shapes. (More rounded at the top) Glue to the top of the pig. Glue wiggly eyes. Color two ovals on the nose If you want a mouth ~ go for it.
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