Age 8 and older
I stole then adapted this idea from this awesome silhouette my son made for me at preschool. Wanting to make it a little different I decided to add some letter recognition into it and make a canvas with the word Dad on it instead. What’s great is that it works for all ages, babies can finger paint, older children can add more than just “Dad” .
- Gather your materials. You will need a canvas, some vinyl letters, paint brush ( if you want little guys to cover a lot give them a big brush), paint and if you want a frame to display it.
- Start by placing the vinyl letters on the blank canvas.
- I placed the colors my son chose in a ice cube tray to make it easy for him to paint.
- Next start painting!
- Right after I took that picture above my son’s brush lifted off a letter – luckily we were able to move the letters and save the project, learn from my mistake use a sponge brush ( which we switched to) to avoid disaster.
- Let dry.
- Remove the letters carefully after the paint is fully dry.
- Give your child’s dad a true masterpiece!
Daddy Song
I love my daddy
He’s really smart
He’s got big muscles and a bigger heart
When I get all cranky and I pout
He gives me hugs and never shouts!
Books About Dad
Daddy Hugs 1 2 3
The Ten Best Things About My Dad
by Christine Loomis didn’t leave much of an impression with me until I hit #8, which says ” When I am sad he hugs me close . He never says “Don’t cry”. That page won me over, and made this book stand out for me. I love that it’s promoting sensitivity in both the dad and little boy! I think anything that shows such care is worth a look.
by Paul Many made all of us laugh when I read it during a family lunch last weekend. My husband shaves his head so , so much of this book was familiar to all of us.The story is about a dad who decides to shave his head and his son who isn’t so sure about this new development. It’s sweet, funny and realistic about how kids do and don’t transition to our changes. My favorite part was the passionate kiss the mom plants on her husband after he shaves his head. Not just because I thought it was sweet, it is nice to see parents having romantic though appropriate moments in children’s books. I want my son to see I love my husband and I show it in all different ways.
Time flies and it’s that time of year again! These are our Mother’s Day Crafts from years past, we are busily thinking up new creative activities to celebrate moms. Feel free to print out or email this to your significant other too , as a gentle reminder that homemade gifts really are that special!
(pictured above)
Don’t forget to make your own wrapping paper too! We have two fun ways to do that:
7 Comments »
This pool noodle garland is not a preschool craft , but younger children could easily thread the ribbon through the middle of the flower instead ! Either way this frugal craft is a great way to decorate for spring for only $3 which is exactly what I spent on the materials. Hope your Friday is frugal and fun!
- Gather your materials. You will need 2 or more colors of pool noodles ( check to see what shape the are on the ends), some ribbon, a bread knife and scissors. I also used a dry paint brush as a “needle”.
- Start by slicing your noodle into sections with your bread knife.
- Cut your ribbon to the length you want and make a large knot.
- Next using sharp scissors make a hole through one of the petals.
- Push your ribbon through the hole – using the end of a paintbrush, or chopstick.
- Alter colors to make a pattern.
- Pin up and enjoy flowers inside for as long as you want!
Book
The Gardener
Friendship is something that should be cherished and making something special for a friend is a great way to show friends how much they mean to you. Shrinky dinks can be found at any large craft store or here Shrinky Dinks Craft Kit
- Gather your materials. You will need some shrinky dink paper, black and green colored pencils, a hole punch, a brown grocery bag ( or parchment paper), a cookie sheet , scissors and some ribbon or chain.
- Start by drawing some shamrocks- I can’t hide the fact it took me a while to get it right .
- Next color it green.
- Cut out
- Punch a hole in it.
- Place it on the paper bag on the cookie sheet and place in the oven ( follow the instructions given for the temp).
- Watch the WHOLE time. It only takes a minutes or two.
- Let cool.
- Thread the ribbon through and give someone you care about some luck of the Irish!
3 Comments »
One of my most frequently requested projects are ones for “Big Kids” no real age is ever given since Big is really relative but here are my projects that I have done with Sunday school, after school students and other “Big Kids” over the years. Some of these could be done with a young child with varying degrees of help and mess!
(seen above)
All of these projects can be found under the “Ages 8 and Older” category. Looking for more big kid projects? Try the “Age 5 and Older” tab too! I try to add more of these projects in the summer when big kids are home from school, but now that I know they are in high demand- I’ll add them more frequently!
