Putting the Pretty In Preschool
Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences
There are so many adorable handprint crafts, and the choices for Christmas are incredible. One of my favorites is a handprint angel. It is a cute craft that doubles as an adorable keepsake. It is also a piece of cake to make and can be whipped up at the last minute.
This Santa’s beard scissor activity is a fun way to introduce cutting practice. The combination of a favorite activity (using scissors) and a well-loved character (Santa Claus) is a win-win. Snipping the beard strands adds challenge, as yarn is more difficult to cut than paper.
By participating in cutting activities, early learners grow in their physical development. They get practice in bilateral coordination: using hands and fingers on both sides of the body at the same time to do two different things. Hand muscles are strengthened. And eye-hand coordination (being able to cut with one hand while following the movement of scissors with the eyes) is improved.
[Read more…] about Santa’s Beard Scissor ActivityThis “Build A Christmas Tree” STEAM activity offers a unique opportunity to incorporate construction, lights, and Christmas decorations in an engaging way. Materials needed are readily available and easy to collect. In the process of building a tree and decorating it, young children progress in many areas of development.
A “Llama Llama Holiday Drama” sensory bin is sure to captivate your little learners. It’s a superb way to give children access to the rich colors and textures of the Christmas season.
This festive bin is inspired by the storybook “Llama Llama Holiday Drama,” written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. In the picture book, little Llama becomes overwhelmed helping his mama with holiday preparations. There are so many things to do, and the wait for Christmas seems much too long. Amid the busy, bustling season, Mama Llama takes time to stop and snuggle with Llama Llama, saying that “having each other is the true gift” at Christmas.
[Read more…] about Llama Llama Holiday Drama Sensory BinA Winter Forest Play Mat is handy for Christmas topics and can be used into the New Year in winter-themed small world play. I first created the table mat in this post for Mr. and Mrs. Santa paper dolls and then thought of more early learning activities for it. The versatile play mat is free to download below. It was designed for size 11-inch x 17-inch photocopy paper but could be printed on 8 ½-inch x 11-inch cardstock or regular paper.
The Ugly Christmas Sweater trend has resurfaced, and for a few years I couldn’t figure it out. Having a passion for fashion, I didn’t understand why anyone would want to wear a tacky sweater. Until…I read that people host Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, often to raise funds for charity. Then I saw purpose and humor in them.
Aside from wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, the trend shines in some easy to introduce early learning activities the whole family can participate in.
