This is not the first year that we did this, last year a much more rudimentary yogurt container and jingle bells were used to solicit money from my husband and I . I was so pleased when he was just as into it now at 3 and I was able to work in more learning about coins, and why we give money to the Salvation Army. Today when we were out he almost burst with excitement to tell the bell ringer all about the one we made at home! Have fun.
- Gather your materials. You will need a large clean plastic tub, some red paper , double stick tape, scissors and some ribbon. For the pretend play you will also need some coins and a bell ( we use a Christmas tree ornament).
- Start by wrapping the paper around your tub. Use the double stick tape to secure it.
- Cut out a circle of paper for the top, cut a slit in paper and lid, then tape it on.
- Poke holes in the sides of the tub ( not the lid).
- Thread the ribbon through and tie at the top.
- Grab some coins, a bell and play!
- Games you can play: simply follow your child’s lead, ask them to match coins up then deposit them so they have to find 2 pennies then pop them in, make a certain amount of money say 55 cents then pop it in… the sky is the limit. Don’t forget to talk as you play all about why we give money to charities.
Beverly says
how cute! Noah loves to put money in the pot
.-= Beverly´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Running with Dad =-.
Michelle says
This is such a great idea! I think my daughter gets very cautious when she sees people standing outside the stores collecting money, and I really haven’t talked too much about it with her.
But this is such a great idea. Thanks!
Amanda says
My purse is about 5 lbs heavier this season just so I can carry around enough change for Madison to put in all of the ‘red buckets’! Every time we head to the store she has to make sure I have plenty of change for the buckets!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Beaded Wreath Ornaments =-.
Lynn says
That’s so cute! My two year old loved emptying my change purse into the salvation army barrel last week. I’m having a “bad mommy” moment here… my son LOVES to play with coins, and I think it’s great dexterity building (putting them into a piggy bank, for instance), and great for all sorts counting and adding practice, but I never really let him do it because of the thought of how dirty the money is. I think it’s time I got over it and just keep a wipes container nearby for when we’re done. 🙂
.-= Lynn´s last blog ..Winner: Curious George Very Monkey Christmas CD =-.
Melodie says
This idea goes perfectly with our Advent Giving Jar. Yesterday our good deed of the day was putting money in a Salvation Army Kettle. We didn’t find one though so I guess we’ll have to remember to next time we’re out. I found myself needing to explain about what the Salvation Army does to my five year old and I think this craft would help so much. As well, she is having a hard time learning her coins so this is a perfect way to get her interested.
.-= Melodie´s last blog ..Easy Handmade Gifts: Bath Products =-.
Melodie says
Here’s a link to the Advent Giving Jar for anyone who is interested.http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com/2009/11/last-minute-advent-calendars/
.-= Melodie´s last blog ..Easy Handmade Gifts: Bath Products =-.