family Archives - Putting the Pretty In Preschool

As everyone can attest, Superhero activities are hugely engaging for children. Superheroes is also a topic I was hesitant to plan a full theme around for many years. I was afraid that the children’s excitement level would go up, and never return to a manageable rate.

One year I decided a generic Superhero theme could be feasible as the last one of the school term. I thought the children might get riled up, but I would be sending them home for the summer afterwards!

The Superhero theme was a hit, and turned out to be perfectly manageable. Dress up props were available in the gymnasium, where loud noises and running were the norm. A number of books read in the classroom highlighted good character traits of Superheroes. Puzzles, manipulative toys, and sensory trays rounded out our activities.

Edmonton Comic And Entertainment Expo

Last Fall I attended the Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo because it looked so fun! I also hoped to get some more ideas for my Superhero theme. The multitude of booths showcasing art, toys, outfits and much more offered loads of inspiration. And I visualized a Superhero Party theme working for our next Father/Preschooler evening (held this past March.)

Father/Preschooler Superhero Party Night

The evening started out with a potluck supper. Open ended toys were available for guests to manipulate, with Superhero figures added in.

Superhero Sensory Tray

This tray was kept simple so everything could be washed afterwards.

Superhero coloring sheets were available to decorate. DIY board games, game chips and dice were set out around the eating area.
Flags, eucalyptus sprigs and themed table scatter adorned the tables.

After dinner adults and children were invited to visit feature centers. Everyone was encouraged to take a strip of tickets out of a bowl to “pay” for each center activity.

These were the options:

1) Photo Op: Take A Picture With Your Favorite Superhero

Justice League props and backdrop purchased from Party City were used for this activity. Individual, adult/child and group photos were taken. The snapshots turned out amazing!

2) Purchase Superhero Art

Guests could purchase a picture of a Superhero Father made by a preschooler. Family members bought their own child’s work of course!

3) Photo Op: Take A Picture Dressed Up As A Superhero

Dress up clothes were available for children and adults to wear. There was a telephone picture and calendar Superhero action word backdrop. Individual, adult/child, and group photos were taken.

The reflective aviator sunglasses pictured with the table decor above were my favorite look!

4) Purchase Superhero Self Portraits

Guests could purchase a preschooler’s Superhero self portrait.

For a fabulous all ages Hawaiian Party, click here:

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and every mom deserves to be treated special. Here is an easy Mother’s Day craft that is bound to hit the mark. A key chain or brooch makes a lovely addition as a gift.

Supplies used:

Flower and butterfly paper punches
Craft paper with gold, cream, silver and grey tones
Metallic sticker beads
Template with the word MOM
Glue stick

Preparing The Mother’s Day Craft

Create a template with the word MOM on it or download my template. This template is for personal use only.

Mothers-Day-Template.png

Paper punch small flowers and butterflies from patterned paper with complementary tones.

Add on metallic sticker beads.

Mother's Day collage craft set up with paper flowers and butterflies, and a template with the word "mom." — Template With Watercolor Wash Background

Making The Mother’s Day Craft

Have children use a glue stick to attach butterflies and flowers, or just butterflies to the lines of the letters that spell the word “mom.”

Add a brooch or key chain gift to the finished picture.

Mother's Day paper collage craft with paper flowers and butterflies glued on to the word "mom". A bow brooch is added on as a gift. — Completed Craft With Silver Bow Brooch

Metallic sticker beads are the inspiration for this color scheme. I was thrilled to find a scrapbook pad called “Bless Our Home” with paper sheets in patterns of gold, silver, grey and cream. The paper theme is perfect for a Mother’s Day craft, and the colors and patterns complement the shiny gold and silver beads.

Mother's Day paper collage craft with flowers and butterflies glued on to the word "mom." A starfish keychain is fastened on as a gift. — Completed Craft With Starfish Keychain

Mother's Day collage craft with flowers and butterflies glued on to the word "mom." A key chain gift is ready to be fastened on as a gift. — Completed Craft With A Neutral Background

Mother's Day collage craft with butterflies glued on to the word "mom." An elephant key chain is fastened on as a gift. — Completed Craft With Paper Butterflies And Elephant Keychain

Mother's Day paper collage craft with butterflies glued onto the word "mom." A silver flower brooch is fastened on as a gift. — Completed Craft With Butterflies And Silver Flower Brooch

Leftover paper flowers and butterflies can be used as Table Scatter for a Mother’s Day Tea.

Tan denim cloth flowers and butterfly and flower table scatter. — Table Scatter And Tan Denim Cloth Flowers

Other Decorating Ideas

Have children to decorate the word “mom” with sticker pearls and jewels. This craft is simpler but just as beautiful. A sea turtle keychain is added to the picture below.

Mother's Day craft with sticker pearls and silver jewels added to the word "mom." A sea turtle key chain is fastened on as a gift. — Completed Craft With Sticker Pearls And Jewels And Sea Turtle Keychain

Have children decorate the word “mom” with jewel and butterfly stickers. A fish keychain is added to the picture below.

Mother's Day craft with butterfly and silver jewel stickers on the word "mom." A fish keychain is fastened on as a gift. — Completed Craft With Butterfly And Silver Jewel Stickers And Fish Keychain

A sparkly flower brooch is added to the picture below.

Mother's Day butterfly and silver jewel sticker craft on the word "mom." A brooch is fastened on as a gift. — Completed Craft With Butterfly And Silver Jewel Stickers And Brooch

Which of the above designs is your favorite?

What color schemes are inspiring you right now?

A Handmade Key Chain Option

Michelle (craftymorning.com) features Handprint Shrinky Dink Keychains that would go along well with a rainbow colored version of this craft.