January 7, 2009 | 8 Comments

Winter Sun Break !

My mother in law was asking me what I could make with hand prints besides a turkey, and this sun topped my long list of crafts. We all need a little sun during the dark days of winter, this craft is so easy and fits well with themes likes space, seasons, and learning about weather !

Gather your materials. You will need a paper plate, some construction paper, yellow paint, a paint brush , a container, glue and scissors.
Start by tracing your child’s hand a few times on a piece of construction paper. I am using yellow paper but white or orange would work too. In a class you can do one of each child’s hand if you want to make a large sun as a cooperative project.
Cut out.
Have your child paint the paper plate yellow. We are using a number of different paints, for variety but plain yellow paint , crayons or markers are all great.
Add some sparkle paint, bet you thought I was done sparkles just because the holidays are over!
Paint the cut out hands. My son decided he wanted to dip them in the paint and the result was really cool. You can also simply use the brush if you prefer.
Let dry.
Glue the hands on the under side of the plate.
Bask in the glow!!

Song !

Mr. Sun, Sun Mr. Golden Sun,
Please shine down on me!
Oh Mr. Sun , Sun Mr. Golden Sun,
hiding behind a tree!
These little children are asking you ,
to please come out so we can play with you,
Oh Mr. Sun, Sun Mr.Golden Sun,
Please shine down on me!

Books!

” The Sun Is My Favorite Star”by Frank Asch is a great true introduction to astronomy for young kids. The book walks the line between story book and non fiction with figurative language but will keep kids interested while teaching very very basic facts about the sun. The illustrations are interesting and seem to glow all by themselves.

“Un Brella” by Scott Franson is such a cool book. There is not a single line of text in the book , and it’s not missing a thing! The illustrations are so vivid, so layered and tell the story perfectly. A little girl has a magical umbrella that brings sun on a snowy day and snow when her yard is green and sunny. My 2 year old was beside himself laughing and saying “No no” to the little girl wearing her swim suit in the snow. Grab this book and enjoy!