Kids Reindeer T-Shirt Craft

Pix from Factory Direct Craft Blog

I have done kids crafts like this in so many ways for different seasons. They come out so precious and parents and kids go nuts for them! Well, who wouldn't? Practically anything made from kids hand or footprints seem to be a snapshot of their youth. They grow so fast, don't they? So, with much ado, here are the materials you will need.

Materials for Kids Reindeer T-Shirt Craft

• One plain t-shirt or each child
• Long clothes line and clothes pins
• Dark brown acrylic paint fabric medium to mix with the paint
• Fabric adhesive
• Newspapers
• Wiggle eyes
• One red pompom 
• Wet towel
• Paper plates
• Deep wash bin with small amount of soapy warm water
• Optional (at least two parent volunteers)

The Set Up: Put up a clothes line in the classroom and keep the clothes pins ready, depending n the number of kids the craft can take up a lot of space! Mix the paint with the fabric medium and pour a small amount on a paper plate. Spread newspapers on a large table and get towels and a wash bin ready. I like to keep the bin and towels under the large table-it makes for an easy clean up!

The Procedure: Have child take off one shoes and sock. They will be using both hands for the project. Help the child dip both hands and a foot in the paint and press it strategically on the t-shirt, then help the child wash up in the bin. Of course, if you have some volunteers, multiple children can be done at one time.

Make it a gift with Artful Adventures Craft Bags

After each shirt is completed hang them on the clothes line. They will need time to dry (24 hours)
After they are dry the children can glue on the wiggle eyes and the pom pom nose. Give it more time to dry on the clothes line. One thing I had done to make the process go faster was have a child hold a blow dryer on the fresh glued pieces (with direct supervision, of course).

Voila! Your finished! You can wrap them in a kid decorated bag or large sheet of paper the kids made. I guarantee it will be a hit!

How to Have a Sugar-Free Halloween for Preschool Kids

Screams, howls, and groaning; It’s Halloween, but really it our preschool kids on too much sugar. That eerie feeling in the pit of our stomach is not the excitement but the knowledge that every year we got through the same thing regarding sugar and the kids in the classroom.

It’s time to channel Susan Powter and ‘Stop the Insanity!’ So, is there really such thing as a sugar-free Halloween in our own classroom without the kids knowing? I say there is. We made it so fun and got the parents involved that the kids didn’t notice they weren’t screaming from the sugar rush.

Here are a few things we did to make the Halloween pleasant and fun and practically sugar-free everyone. And it you don’t have tons of volunteers, just make a few modifications.

How We Make a Practically Sugar-Free Halloween for Our Preschool Kids 

Get a fun Halloween Music CD.

Sugar-Free Goodies: Put together small bags of “Yummy Earth” (Sugar Free Candy) Candies in Halloween Goodie Bags (Distribute them after the Party).

The way Halloween haunts me: Kids on sugar!

Apple Float Activity: Fishing for Apples, Float real apples in a large tub of water with mini fishing rods (with magnets on the end). (Stick a paper clip through a golf tee and shove it in an apple, do this a couple times per apple) Float the apples in the water and allow the children to “fish them”. They loved it! Be sure to use small size red apples.

Kids Crazy Glow Water: We make this one ahead of time and turn out the lights on one side of the class room and have it sectioned off a bit with a black sheet and black light. The water is in a larger water table for all the kids to use. We keep this well supervised.

The Slime Pit: We use a cornstarch and water mix to make ooze called the slime pit. We put Halloween trinkets in there like spiders and such and later on add an extension such as food colors to allow the kids to mix colors.

Less Treats More Fun: Much later in the day we have a few Halloween stories and some carrot cake. The kids also vote on some of the same activities we had inside to bring outside (except for the Crazy Glow Water, of course).

By the end of the day we are really worn out.
But at least our eardrums aren’t ringing....

We hope you'll give it a try, we are pretty sure you'll feel brilliant that you did! 

Ha! Out-smarted Halloween this year, baby!

Kids Newspaper Sun Hats

Have you ever had those activities where you just simply had to do them every time the season rolls around? Okay, twist my arm, the sun is out and the kids can now make their new paper sun hats!

I can show you a great  modification for the boys that will give it that cool-factor, too!

How to Make Kids Newspaper Sun Hats:

Materials Needed: 

1. Tons of Newspaper (Have parent start saving)
2. Masking Tape
3. Had Picked Flowers (from a nature walk)
4. Phone Books (Optional is you would like to make the flowers)

The Process:

We do this in a small group activity so have the children standing and gathered around the the child that will go first.

1. Have all the children drape large opens sheets of newspaper over the child's head. We tell them to be sure we can't see their face or head! The children love this part because they play peek-a-boo, and 'Guess-who' under the newspaper.
2. I wrap a strip of making take around the child's head two or three times, once we have all smoothed down the newspaper. It is best to start about where the child's eyes are so be sure to hold them close to you during this process. We forewarn them it the tape will sound a bit loud but we are all looking out for them! We even have the group hold the child's hands to steady them because they won't be able to see for a few seconds.
3. As a group we begin rolling up the loose newspaper up the the masking tape strip while it's still on the child's head. Ah, at last! Now they can see and have a wonderful new sun hat!



Pix from Folding Tree!

4. Flowers: We use old phone books for the flowers of these hats. This project can go on for quite some time decorating them! We actually have a hat parade for the parents so we don't mind taking our time. If you decide to paint them be sure to allow a few days to completely dry.
5. Modifications for the Boys: While some boys didn't care for the same look the girls had, they did come up with a clever idea. The Fire Hat! We used the same process but didn't roll the back part of the hat and trimmed it to square it off. Kind of a paper mullet look, but paint it red and you have that cool-factor both boys and girls love.

Kids Phone Book Flower Craft

Photo from Simple Journey

Simple, easy and perfect for Spring! The kids love this craft because there is really no way to mess it up. The more colors and cuts the prettier they become!

How to Make Kids the Kids Newsprint Flower Craft:

• Bio Color liquid watercolor
• Newsprint or telephone book pages (this flower was made on newsprint)
• Metal Brads
• Hole Punchers
• Lids (different sizes for children to trace)
• Pencils
• Light Colored Construction Paper
• Glue
• Glitter (optional)
• Stamps and Ink Pads (optional)
• Scissors

The kids love tearing the pages for their flower craft!

Craft Process: Allow kids to freely paint on phone book pages with Liquid Bio Color. After it is dry we have the children trace lids with pencils and begin cutting. We like to do this at a table while socializing and do it for as long at the children are interested. The more cuttings we get the more beautiful the effect. We usually dedicate one day for this project.
After we are finished, we punch holes in the centers of the circle clipping. Depending on how many clipping we have we dedicate on table during option time to hole punch. The children love mastering the hole punchers and are so pleased by their work.
More Water Coloring: We take a light sheet of colored contraction paper and allow the children to paint a beautiful place where they have seen flowers. The children love ink stamping butterflies and insects in the background as well.
The Finished Product: Sure, we take our time with this craft, even having two or three days to enjoy it. For the finale children merely stack the circle clippings from big to small then insert the brad. We attach them to their watercolor painting an add a brush of glue and glitter.
This art has a shabby chic look to it...very pretty!

Neat Feet Kids Craft

 We found a great craft idea from  Craft Ideas for Kids that we were able to modify for the classroom! They are great gift ideas for parents just about any time of year!

How to Make Neat Feet For Kids:

Materials Needed

1. Sensory Tub of Moist Sand
2. Kids Shoe Boxes
3. Boxes of Plaster of Paris (follow instruction on the box)
4. Pen
5. Towel to dry off those cute little feet!

Procedure: Have the children fill their shoe boxes half way with moist sand. We use a marker to show them where to stop. Have the kids take of their shoe and gently press on bare foot into the sand. When an imprint is created follow the instruction on the Plaster of Paris box and pour it in a mold.

Gift Idea: This makes a great gift idea! We glue felt at the bottom of the Neat Feet and turn it into an adorable paper weight!

Making Kids Crazy Glowing Water

 

We made crazy glowing water for a science project and decided to take it to a whole new level with the kids! We discovered that making such projects like Flubber, watercolors, Space themes and virtually any activity that involves water can add a glowing effect!

Materials Needed For Kids Crazy Glowing Water:

OOooOOooo! Look what we did!

One black Light

Clear Cups for each child or one large bowl

Highlighter pens

Wrench (Optional)

Water

Sharpie marker

We allow the kids to label their cups with their names. You can have them make the solution in one large bowl or individually in each cup (this requires individual pens for each child). A worthy donation if this works out!

You can break open the pens to expose the filter or simply have the children sit the pens in a small cup of water. This is a more kid friendly approach and it gives them a day to watch the pens transform the water.

The children love turning of the lights and having the black light shine on their creation. H-mmmmmm? Perhaps we are off setting the cost of the highlighters with all the electricity we are saving?

Tips for Teaching Young Children the Skeletal System

I have taught the the names of bones to preschool children and school-ages, alike. 

The songs, diagrams and puzzles are an effective, interactive way to teach children about the bones in the body. Often times the only exposure out children get to bones are during Halloween. 

A good understanding of what bones and the skeletal system really is is by fun learning rather than a creepy, scary one.

We came up with a few various educational resources that can be used to start teaching young children about bones and the skeletal system.

Teaching with a hands on and fun approach can make education and early learning a bit easier for everyone!

Teacher's Link Tips For Teaching Young Children The Skeletal System

1.  Learn the human body- Skeletal System (Lots of kid friendly language teachers can use)
2.  Skeleton Floor Puzzle - Large enough for a small group time.
3.  The Bone Bounce - A Song by Teacher Lucy Jensen
4.  The Big Story on Bones Website- Tons of resources at your fingertips for answering kids questions. And we know about questions, don't we?
5.  Skeleton X-rays - For the classroom! (For kids that wanna see!)
6. Skeletons in the Closet Game- Really fun! It does contain very small parts so it needs adult supervision.
7.  Them Not So Dry Bones - School House Rock
8. Labeled Bone Diagrams- a  parent and teacher's cheat sheet

Recycled Kid Craft Projects



TP Roll Seed Pots from Bonzai Aphroditie

I love recycled arts and crafts. The idea of doing so something to reduce waste as well as making something beautiful really appeals to me! I also use this as a time to let kids know and be aware that there are so many creative crafts they can to with supplies from home!

Be sure to share easy ideas with families by posting them in your newsletters! Parents are not only grateful, but see that we are saving them money, too!

Here is another Honorable Mention shout for those bloggers and sites that will help you get your recycling on!

Kids Bee Bracelet by Kangaroo Boo

Sssss-nakes from Play Pennies

From Kangarooboo

From the Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

Just one of 3 crafts showcased @ My Plum Pudding

From cuffs to spiders, check out Family Crafts

The egg carton bouquet

Woolly Sheep from Kids Craft Weekly

Crafts and Things for Children

Kids Crafts from Recycled TP Rolls

 

Who doesn't have tons of TP rolls laying around? I thought I would give an Honorable Mention shout out to some of the best ideas we have found out there for TP roll crafts. They kids will love them, parents will keep them, and you can finally clear out that huge box of them on the shelf!

Make a silly monster from recycled TP rolls.

Why wait for Halloween?

There are quite few more craft ideas for tp rolls on here, too! Love it!

See more on No Time For Flashcards

Get buggy over this idea at Homeschool Creations

For my "Things That Fly" unit. Thanks Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

I Can Teach My Child teaches us a thing or two about penguins

For when they're caught being good! Thanks sugardoodle!

Make you favorite characters or family members into finger puppets!

All the buzz-zz-zzzzzz on John Deere Mom

Dr. Seuss's Thing One and Thing Two Cakes for Kids

from the Ipsy Bipsy Bake Shop

A Thing One and Thing Two cake, that's what we need,

with carrot cake and cream cheese the children we'll feed.

They're shiny little faces will light up with delight,

when they see the cotton candy topper so blue and so light!

By: 'Barbra the Bloggess' Stephens

This was such an adorable idea I just had to find out more! We modified the recipe a bit and had the children and parents join in on the fun!

Here is what you'll need for to create your Dr. Seuss Thing One and Thing Two cakes.

What You'll Be Needing:

Make no mistake-it's Thing One and Thing Two Cake!

1. Red Cupcake Wrappers
2. Blue Cotton Candy
3. Cream Cheese (Warm it slightly before using it)
4. Carrot Cake Mix (Just follow directions from the box)
5. Round Stickers Labels
6. Black Markers

The Process: After the children have helped prepare and bake the carrot cupcakes allow them to completely cool. 

Us a spoon and have children douse the top with a generous helping of warmed cream cheese. 

Then tear off a small amount of blue cotton candy and allow the children to arrange the 'Things' hair. 

I allow the children to write on the labels with black markers or crayons.

Be sure to take pictures, this is one for the kids photo albums!





Kids Pink Yink Drinks by Dr. Seuss

Pix from Kid Independant

This one, I think, is called a Yink.
He likes to wink, he likes to drink.
He likes to drink, and drink, and drink.
The thing he likes to drink is ink.
The ink he likes to drink is pink.
He likes to wink and drink pink ink.
SO...if you have a lot of ink,
then you should get a Yink, I think.
From: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Ingredients Needed:
½ cup frozen blackberries (fresh if available)
½ cup fresh strawberries (if available)
1 cup thawed frozen strawberries
1 tsp honey
1 cup whole milk 

Prep Materials:

Blender, cups, straws, napkins, measuring cups, mixing bowl, large spoon

The Process: 

1. Have the kids place the blackberries in a blender and puree them.
2. Help kids pour the puree into a separate large mixing bowl.
3. Assist the children in measuring and the milk, strawberries and honey back in a blender and quickly puree the mixture.
4. Have you cups ready because you will help the children pour the strawberry mixture carefully on top of the blackberry mixture. This creates two colorful layers.

Note: 

Yikes! I think I missed a step!

the reason we don't mix all the berries together is because the delicious concoction doesn't look so delicious. 

Unless you are doing a unit on the color, 'brown-grey' we humbly suggest the layering method.

No really kids, try it! It's supposed to be pink!

Cooking Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham with Kids

Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham is one of my favorite books to read to young children. The preschool curriculum get on a cooking kick and we all seem to love experimenting with foods.

What I love about this special way of making the green eggs is that we have the children boil the eggs at home and then bring them in!

The families love to chuckle at the children tiptoeing in with the eggs and warning one another not to drop them. As for the ham, they are not so careful with it, but in the words of our lovable classmate Emma, "Don't worry if you drop the ham, kids. Its pretty tough!"
We hope you enjoy this activity as much as we have!

Four Leaf Clover Kids Craft

For the Four Leaf Craft be sure to have plenty of green paper or foam on hand. this is one of those projects where they just don't stop at one!
Materials You Will Need:

Sheets of green construction paper or foam

Tape or staplers

Rubber bands

Green sequins of jewels (optional)

White glue of a hot glue gun

Ribbon (optional)

The Process: Instruct the children to create folds in the paper (length-wise)  of foam about five times and start cutting along the folds. This will create long even strips. Allow the children to tape/staple together individual heart shapes from the strips. Once that is done they may adhere the strips by touching all the points of the hearts together in threes or fours. Fasten a rubber band for hanging and add bows for decoration.
We have hot glued a sequin in the center for a special bit of bling!

Extensions: Instead of a rubber band you can add thematic ribbon and by popular 'wee ones' demands I must suggest green glitter (sigh).

I really think I should get stock in this stuff!

Kids Homemade Classroom Valentine Garland

It seems like most gorgeous art projects never stay in the classroom longer than a day. Sometimes, I actually have to plan for festive classroom decorations and really get the kids excited about it, as well. This can be a bit tricky but long-term projects can go on for months!
The children used the same crayon muffin technique and I simply place metal paper clips inside as soon as the come out of the oven.

Materials You'll Need For the Homemade Valentine Classroom Garland:

• Lots of Shaved Crayons
• Heart Muffin Tins
• Paper Clips
• Oven
• Long Ball of Twine
• Colored Ribbon or Yarn
• Nature kids collect from home, nature walks, etc.

All photos from Resurrection Fern

The Process: Check out the crayon muffins link and just after you take them out of the oven place a paper clip inside them just before they cool. As a class, we have this activity open all week. We get quite a few hearts. Unfortunately, one year a preschooler came up with the brilliant idea of making them into crayon necklaces. Brilliant idea, and there went the garland...sigh.

Making It Meaningful: I encourage the children to bring bits of nature from home. Pine cones, acorns, twigs and leaves. We make it a special show and tell where the children tell how and where they found the prized possessions just before we hang it on the garland.

These valentine garlands are very beautiful and natural looking. And best of all the children love adding to them and telling stories about it!

How about you? what would you have your class add?

Favorite Kids Melted Crayon Gift Projects

Crayon Melted Rock Paperweights and much more! (This photo is from pepperpaints.com)

By far, some of the easiest and most beautiful gift project ideas have always been the simplest. I haven't quite figured out if the beauty is in the simplicity or that its just so beautifully fun and economical. I suspect a bit of both I guess.

How to Make Melted Crayon Paper Weights:
I am modifying this original post for Hot Rocks because I was really trying to figure a way to do it with the youngest of children without any ouchies. I mean, you say to a group of preschoolers, "watch out, sweetie, it's hot." Someone is bound to test the 'how-hot-is-it-theory'. Have kids create their own crayon shavings by crushing them in bags or with cheese graters and then the children can arrange the shaving on a rock before it goes in the oven. Bake it at 130F for about 5-7 minutes and let it cool. It makes an awesome paperweight gift!

Heat pottery and color it! Great gift idea!

How to Make Melted Crayon Pottery:

Materials Needed:

• Crayons
• Oven
• Small Ceramic Flower Pots
• Old Mittens for the children
• Adult Oven Mitts
• Table covered in newsprint
• Handy bowl of ice water
• Black Marker for names

Process: Write the children's names on the inside of the pot before baking. Heat the flower pots in the oven at approximately 130-150F. Any young children doing this product must wear mittens for protection while they freely color the pottery with crayons. As you can see, it's a beautiful effect.
We keep ice water handy for the tempted little ones that feel temp checks are needed. For any toasted little fingers~they quickly take the plunge!

Gift Idea: After it has completely cooled, place colored tissue papers inside with a handmade card or a seedling that the child has helped sprout.

Extension: Standard crayons look great, but if you add a few glitter crayons it really adds that special touch!