Create an easy-to-make game to go with this holiday story.  • Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear! by Don and Audrey Wood • index cards • crayons and/or markers • wrapping paper scraps (optional)  This book tells the story of a little mouse who is very worried that the big hungry bear up the mountain will steal his […]
Can you figure out who’s who? • The Donkey’s Christmas Song, by Nancy Tafuri (optional) • paper • crayons In The Donkey’s Christmas Song, a variety of farm animals and the sounds they make are portrayed. What animal noises can your child make? Play a guessing game with your child. Make a variety of animal noises and invite your […]
Remember family traditions during the holiday season. • Christmas in the Country, by Cynthia Rylant and Diane Goode • paper • crayons and/or markers This book tells the story of how a family gets ready for and celebrates Christmas. Although timeless in many ways, the story is set in a rural community many years ago. As you read the […]
Add a multicultural twist to your holiday with activities that teach your child about other traditions. Today, you might be trimming the Christmas tree, your neighbor next door might be sharing a Hanukkah meal, and friends across town may be fasting in preparation for ‘Eid-ul-Fitr. Still, most of us will end the year in a […]
You don’t need a one-horse sleigh, glistering snow, or angelic voices to enjoy caroling with your family. The key to making caroling fun for kids is mixing cheery music with lots of holiday spirit! Â Before heading out, use this checklist to get ready:Â Â Invite your children’s friends and their parents to join you. […]
From whimsical encounters with St. Nick to enthralling and enduring folktales, these books invite your students to celebrate diverse festivals of light. Â The Bells of Christmas by Virginia Hamilton Enjoy a season of love and anticipation with this 1890’s tale of an African-American family Christmas in Ohio. Â The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by […]
Have your children help you decide which pieces of art they would like to have displayed. Children can help guide you to pieces that both of you appreciate. Â Gather a long piece of wood, spring clothespins, glue and paint. Have your children decorate the piece of wood with paint and other materials they choose. […]
Patterns are everywhere on this special frame — make one with your child. • several pre-cut picture mats or small cardboard, wooden, or plastic picture frames • glue • craft stick or glue brush • small cup to hold glue • a variety of tri-color and plain pasta shapes (wheels, shells, elbows, and so on) • several small plastic containers, bowls, […]
