Day 14: Run, Run, Fast As You Can!

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through our Advent activities, but it’s December 14 and time for GINGERBREAD! I admit, when it comes to gingerbread houses, we cheat. We do make homemade gingerbread cookies, but we use graham crackers to build our houses.

We make one each year, and it’s always a treat. First, we coat a cardboard soda bottle package with icing. Then we attach graham crackers as the walls and roof. Finally, we decorate with leftover Trick-or-Treat candy. This is all set on a thick, square piece of cardboard we cut from a large box. We coat that in icing too, and the sugar-coated landscaping is never anything less than divine.

But instead of boring you with our personal photos, I thought you might like to see some gingerbread houses from my elementary school this year (including the photo above). These were made by preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students who all enjoyed the activity.

Get messy, indulge your sweet tooth, and HAVE FUN!

 

 

Be sure to read The Gingerbread Man and then learn the following poem:

Oh where, oh where, is my gingerbread man? Oh where, oh where, can he be? He popped out of the oven and ran out the door. Oh where, oh where, can he be?

Now, bake some gingerbread cookies or make a gingerbread man out of paper. Then, set a trap and see if you can catch your gingerbread man! Here are some of the traps around our school this week.

 

 

Day 13: Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree!

Image from giverslog.com

Pinecones are Mother Nature’s special way of decorating her living room. And if it’s good enough for Mother Nature, than it’s good enough! Not to mention…it’s the perfect size for little fingers and the options are endless. Try this one, for instance. Add colorful balls of wool or inexpensive craft balls from a discount store. Attach with glue and you’re done!

 

 

 

 

 

If pinecones are a little too prickly and glue a little too sticky for you, then try this great idea from familyfun for a cutie patootie pipe cleaner tree. Find instructions here.

 

Image from johnnyinadress.com

Still a little too much crafting? Try this mess free option for those of you who just don’t like the idea of cleaning up pine needles or glue or beads. Simply cut a tree from green felt and create all sorts of colorful decorations from felt. It works magically…felt sticks to felt! Attach the “tree” to a wall using temporary adhesive strips and give your toddlers a Christmas tree they can decorate again…and again…and again! (Thanks to johnnyinadress.com for this super idea. My kids are too old for this one, but I’m filing it for my classroom.)

 

For your teen/tween booklover, why not try this fabulous idea for a book tree? I shared this from a post on facebook and despite my best efforts, I can’t find the original source. If you happen to know who gets credit for this one…please share!

 

Image from mrsleeskinderkids.com

Want to include a little math with that tree crafting, or looking for an idea for the classroom? Try this idea from Mrs. Lee’s Kinderkids. Provide red construction paper and tree pieces. Help children organize the tree strips from longest to shortest before glueing on the paper. Last, dip q-tips in white paint and dot the entire piece with snow. See Mrs. Lee’s blog for many more great teaching ideas for little ones.

Hope you have fun celebrating the Christmas season with those you love. Be sure to check out previous blog posts and stay tuned for more December postings to find tons of ideas to connect with your family this holiday.

Cheers,

julie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9: Lovely Night for a Tour of Lights

It’s the ninth day of our Christmas countdown, and it’s time to get out and see the sparkle! Take your family on a tour of holiday lights. If weather permits, get out of the car and enjoy long, peaceful walks together to view the displays. If you need to bundle up instead, be sure to turn on the Christmas music and enjoy a fun family singalong while you drive.

From Millan.Net

It’s also a great idea to go carolling. While this tradition may sound old-fashioned, carollers roam our old neighborhood every year for an impromptu celebration. Who doesn’t enjoy opening the door to find happy singing visitors? And who doesn’t love to sing Christmas songs?

My kids and I all cracked up laughing this morning during our regular commute into school and work. A man was jogging in a full Santa suit, fake beard and all. He waved to cars as he passed and graciously delivered smiles to a cold Friday morning. I admire people like that…who have such a happy, joyful spirit that they aren’t afraid to just love life. Going for a morning jog? Why not wear that Santa suit? You might have more fun than you’ve had in years!

 

Cheers!
julie

Top Christmas Movies for Kids

 

There’s no better time than the holiday season to snuggle up for Family Movie Night. Pop some popcorn and light the fire, as you enjoy these can’t miss kid-friendly Christmas movies. 

For Kids of All Ages:

Winnie the Pooh – A Very Merry Pooh Year - I admit, I’m a sucker for Pooh. This is my favorite Christmas movie – a heartwarming tale reminds us all that friendship means more than presents.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol - Rated G and great for viewers of all ages!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - If your child hasn’t yet heard of the Island of Misfit Toys — now’s the time! A great vintage film sure to bring smiles to all.

Frosty the Snowman - There are tons of reasons to watch this fantastic film, but if for nothing else – the songs are fun to sing!

 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Another fun-for-everyone family favorite. 

 

A Charlie Brown Christmas - This one delivers the message that there is value in everything — even the most misunderstood and scraggliest among us.

 

For Kids Age 6 and Older:

  

The Polar Express -  A  beautifully filmed modern rendition of the classic tale, but it can be a bit intense or even scary for kids under 6.

  

Miracle on 34th Street - The story can be a bit slow for young kids, but who doesn’t love this holiday favorite – is Santa real, or is he? 

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Personally, I think the 1966 animated version may be less-frightening (and more age-appropriate) than the Jim Carrey rendition; but whichever version you choose, your family won’t want to miss this fabulous Dr. Seuss Christmas message. It might just make your heart grow two sizes!

 

  

 

For Older Kids:

 

Home Alone – Not really appropriate for kids under 8, but a hilarious adventure story about a kid left home alone for the holidays (some bad language and mild violence).

 

Of course you can’t forget A Christmas Story. Rated PG, this is not for kids under 12 — and even then, you might find some of the scenes a bit edgy for kids. Still, for older children, Ralphie is a hilarious as he narrates this All-American holiday story set in the 1940s.

 

Ok, I wasn’t going to list it, because it’s really not a kid-friendly movie, but I have to say the movie Elf is absolutely hilarious for older children. Will Ferrell’s role as an orphan raised by Santa is just too unique (if not corny) to miss.

 

 

 

 

Gobble, Gobble Games

Teachers, do you want to get the giggles flowing in your classrooms this Thanksgiving? Nothing sparks a smile quite like saying the word, “Gobble!”

My children both loved this silly poem when they were younger. Preschoolers can act out the motions as they learn all about the funniest American with feathers.

Funny Bird
(Author Unknown)

A turkey is a funny bird,
Its head goes wobble, wobble,
All it knows is just one word,
“Gobble, gobble, gobble.”

Then once they’ve learned all about turkeys, it’s time to go on a turkey hunt!

Where is Mr. Turkey? 
One player is the farmer and the others are helpers. When the farmer leaves the room, the helpers hide a small toy turkey. The farmer returns with a mission to find the turkey. Helpers give clues by “gobbling” like turkeys. If the farmer is far away from the turkey, the helpers gobble very quietly. As the hunter gets closer to the turkey, the helpers gobble will increase in volume until Mr. Turkey is found!  Super cute!!

The Great Pumpkin – Um, I Mean Turkey!

Want to make Thanksgiving a little extra silly this year? Maybe it’s time for the Great Turkey to visit your home.

Let’s face it – Easter has the bunny. Christmas has Santa. Even lost teeth get a fairy! Who says we can’t have a special guest on Thanksgiving?

Encourage your children to eat their healthy holiday meal and show true gratitude. “Sometimes, the Great Turkey comes at night to leave a surprise for the kids who are a really thankful.”

The next morning, lead the children on a scavenger hunt to find a small gift and teach them the joy of simple pleasures.

“It’s a gift to be simple; it’s a gift to be kind. It’s a gift to smile and to share a happy mind.” – Shaker Hymn