1-2-3 Come Do Some More Mother's Day Activities With Me
Tuesday's blog featured Mother's Day craftivities that could also be used for the end of the year, as well as back to school. Here are two more that offer that same versatility:
The "souper" soup can craftivity, can be a "flip up" card, or a windsock, where the writing prompt is completed on the paper "ribbons".
Besides those "crafty" options, you have a choice of 7 writing prompts:
* "I had a 'souper' year!" is a fun way to reflect about what students have accomplished.
* "You're going to have a 'souper' year in _________" is written by this year's students for next year's kiddos.
* "___________ is a 'souper' student." Is a terrific "bucket filler" which will help build self-esteem.
* "I'm looking forward to a 'souper' summer." Is a fun end of the year option. You could also change it to "I had a 'souper' summer." and use at the beginning of the school year.
* There are also patterns for Mom, Dad & grandparents to help celebrate their special days, as well as a blank soup can for anything else.
The "Bee-utiful Bee-cause..." bee-themed craftivity can also be used for Mother's Day, BTS (Back To School) or the end of the year.
There are 2 craftivities in the packet. Children can make a bee and choose the prompt “My mom is bee-utiful because . . .” or make fingerprint bees around a hive. Another writing prompt is: “My mom is terrific ‘bee-cause” . . .
So that students can write something different, I’ve included blank bee and hive patterns. There’s also a generic “You are ‘bee-utiful’ because …” or “You are terrific ‘bee-cause’” options.
At the end of the year, students can make a bee or hive that says: “I had a ________________ year in ________________ ‘bee-cause’..." or “I’m looking forward to a super summer ‘bee-cause’..."
Another interesting option is to have this year’s students make a bee or hive for next year’s students. “You’re going to have a _______________ year in _______________ ‘bee-cause’”.
What a fun thing to have tucked in your students’ desks or displayed on their lockers at the beginning of the year.
As with the other bee craftivities, children can write their note of “why” on the bee’s stripes, or if you want students to write more, they can complete the little apple booklet and glue it to the front.
I wanted the Mother’s Day beehive card to be a keepsake, so my students dipped their thumb in yellow paint to make the bees, and used their pinkies and white paint for the wings.
When their cards dried, they drew on details with a black marker, and glued their school photo in the “door”.
If you like the hive card, but don’t want to mess with paint, I’ve also included bee “stickers”. Students get a strip of 4, trim and glue to their card.
Today's FREEBIE is another Mother's Day activity, which you can also use for Father's or Grandparent's Day, or anyone else that you "love to pieces".
Teacher's and parents could also make a little gift for their students/children. I made small "Love you to pieces" cards that you can print off and attach to a Snack Baggie, or package of Reeses Pieces candy.
There's also a completed puzzle writing prompt pattern, so you can easily make a sample to share, to explain what you want your kiddos to do.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
It's cold, rainy and windy out; the perfect weather for shortening my ever-growing "to do" list. Wishing you a snuggly relaxing day.
"A good criterion for measuring success in life is the number of people you have made happy." -Robert Lumsden
1-2-3 Come Do Some Versatile Writing Prompt Craftivities With Me
Sometimes when I'm designing something for a particular thing, it turns out that I can also use it for something else; as once a crafty little pattern is made, it's easy to tweak the writing prompt portion, so that it fits for other times of the year.
Such is the case for several of the Mother's Day craftivities I just finished; so I included patterns appropriate for the end of the year, as well as back to school.
Today, I'm featuring 3 of them, along with today's featured FREEBIE.
First up is the "berry" versatile strawberry packet. I’ve included a back-to-school pattern that says: “I had a ‘berry’ special summer because…” as well as an end of the year template: “This school year was ‘berry’ special because…”
Run the summer strawberry off on hot pink with lime green leaves; then see wonderful improvement in your students’ writing, when they complete the other prompt, at the end of the year.
I’ve also included another pattern to make a “Thank you ‘berry’ much!” card, which you can give to volunteers who’ve helped your class, the secretary or whoever gave you a helping hand throughout the year.
Flip the card up to reveal a picture of your class holding a thank you sign or letter cards spelling the words out, then have everyone sign it.
Another pattern is for a Mother’s Day card: “My (mom, mommy, mama, mum, grandma) is ‘berry’ special because…” Have students make hand print “leaves” for that keepsake touch.
Finally, the "fruity treat" is a little gift you can give your students at the beginning or end of the year:
"I hope your summer is 'berry' special just like you." or . . . "I'm wishing you a 'berry' special year.
Attach the strawberry tag to a berry-flavored juice box or package of Skittles.
Next up is the "....And That's Something To Tweet About!" writing prompt bird craftivity. Just like the strawberry, you can use it for back-to-school, (“I had a great summer!), or at the end of the year (“I had a great year in school) and that's something to tweet about!"
I’ve also included a variety of writing prompt options suitable for Mother’s Day as well. “My (mom, mum. mommy, mama, grandma) is special and that’s something to tweet about!”
There are blank wing and “hang tag” patterns as well, so that you can write in something else. These pieces, along with the accordion-folded legs, add special 3D pizzazz.
Older students explain why, by writing on the back of the bird. Completed projects really turn out adorable and look sweet suspended from the ceiling.
Finally, "Great Times!" also includes a variety of writing prompt options. I’ve included 3 patterns for a Mother’s Day card, as well as templates for the end of the year: ”Time sure flies! I had a _____________ year in _____________!”
Plus there’s a “Fun in the Sun Summer Time“ pattern, where students can write about the fun times they are looking forward to doing during vacation, or use for back-to-school and have students write about a few of their favorite times that they enjoyed.
Besides the 3 “draw yourself” clock patterns for Mother’s Day, there are also 6 templates featuring 3 boys & 3 girls. Students simply color and cut.
Older kiddos “hinge” the writing prompt to the back with a piece of Scotch tape.
There are black & white patterns for students, plus full color templates of the children holding the clocks, so that you can quickly and easily make samples to share.
Today's featured FREEBIE is also versatile, as you can use it in February for Valentine's Day, as well as for grandparents, Mom or Dad on their special days.
I found this ABC "I Love You!" idea in various print forms on a variety of sites, so I'm not sure where the original idea came from.
However, instead of making an 8x10 print to frame, I thought it would be perfect to design some cards, bookmarks and magnets, which children could make in school for various holidays.
As for me, I tucked one in my husband's briefcase. Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.
If you get a minute, zip on over to the site-wide "Teacher Appreciation" sale going on over at TpT.
My shop is participating. Enter the Promo Code: CELEBRATE for an additional 10% off at checkout.
"If you can read this, thank a teacher!"
1-2-3 Come Make A Sweet Keepsake Card With Me
I really enjoy designing things that incorporate standards at the same time creating a keepsake that families will enjoy. With that in mind, I came up with a "berry" special packet.
Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits, and were also popular with my Y5's. They are fun and easy to draw and provide a great play on words.
In the "Berry" Special Packet, I've included templates for both a mom and dad, so you can use this "craftivity" for Mother's Day or Father's Day. There's also a generic one that says: "You are 'berry' special" so students can make this for another significant person as well. This would be fun for Grandparents' Day too.
I've included a pattern to make the leafy portion. Add a bit more pizzazz by making the leaves 3D. Have students cut out two and then fold one in half. Match up the leaves and glue only one section on top of the other.
If you look closely at the photo you'll be able to see how the leaves pop up. Adding a stem and strawberry blossom, gives the card that finishing touch.
Older students can add a second strawberry and "hinge" their card with a small piece of Scotch tape. Children complete the writing prompt, add a bit of color, trim and glue to the inside. Younger students can simply complete just the sentence on the front.
To make things extra special, have students glue on their school picture and make a heart using their thumbprints (see photo).
Leaves can also be made by tracing a child's handprints. I made an example of both, so you can see how they turned out. Click on the link to view/download the "Berry" Special Craftivity.
While I was making my sample, I thought that a mini version of this would make a quick, easy and inexpensive end or beginning of the year gift for students.
"I hope your summer is 'berry' special. Just like you!" or "I'm wishing you a 'berry' special school year!"
Turn this into a sweet treat by attaching your card to a berry-flavored juice box, or package of Wild Berry Skittles and you're set!
Click on the link to view/download the "Berry Special Summer/School Year Gift.
Thanks for visiting today. If you'd like to see more Mother's Day FREEBIES, click on the link to pop over to that section of TeachWithMe. I also have a "pinteresting" pin board with more free Mother's Day ideas, crafts, and activities.
"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." -Sophia Loren
1-2-3 Come Do Some "Souper" Fun Craftivities With Me
This "craftivity" packet is very versatile. I have templates that you can use at the end of the school year, where students write about the"souper" summer they are looking forward to, or the "souper" year they had; or they can make one for your next year's kiddos explaining why they are going to have a "souper" year in __________ grade.
Simply run off which ever pattern you need. Students color the template and then trace it on a sheet of construction paper.
I used red to blend in with the soup can, but you could offer a variety of colors.
This will become the "inside" section of the can where they'll complete the writing prompt and then "hinge" it at the top with a small piece of tape or a staple, in such a way that it flips up to reveal what they wrote.
If you've incorporated the popular "Bucket Fillers" program in your classroom, the "souper" compliment flip up or windsock, fits in nicely, and goes a long way in building a child's self-esteem. For this prompt, I prefer the windsock as it's a nice way to review the 3D cylinder shape as well as ABAB patterning.
Here's How To Make One:
I didn’t have a big sheet of red construction paper, so I had to tape two smaller ones together. The “compliment strips” are the width of a ruler and the length of the paper. I chose two colors for more pop, as well as a way to review a color pattern.
Students each get a stack of 10 strips (5 of each color). Have them glue the strips to the bottom of their large sheet of paper that has their soup can glued to the front. I left 1/2 an inch of space in between the strips.
Put students in groups of 9. Review what an adjective is and then brainstorm nice things (compliments) that they could write about each other.
Children write something about themselves on one of the strips, and then pass their paper to the next person.
Passing continues within the group ’til everyone has written something on each person’s windsock. The teacher visits each group and writes something for each child on the 10th strip.
Students gently curve their flat “souper can” into a cylinder shape and staple the ends together. Punch a hole on either side, attach a 12 inch piece of yarn and dangle from the ceiling.
Having students make a windsock for your next year's kiddos would also make a wonderful back-to-school welcome display. After the first day, take them down and pass them out to your new students. They read and share with the class. Hopefully these will help ease first day jitters and get your students excited about the year ahead.
Finally, to help celebrate special holidays, there are patterns for a "souper" mom or dad, as well as one they can make for Grandparent's Day, plus a blank one to fill in with whatever.
Keep in mind, that any of the 2D writing prompt options, can easily be turned into the 3D cylinder shaped windsock craft,by simply having them write on the strips of paper.
Click on the link to view/download the "Souper" Writing Prompt Craftivity Packet.
Thanks for visiting today. Even though it's Sunday, and typically my day of rest after church, I have some very tempting "souper" craftivities in the works...
Does anyone else out there get excited about making things and designing lessons for their classroom? After all, it is actually our home-away-from-home.
"Good manners: The noise you don't make when you're eating soup." -Bennett Cerf
1-2-3 Come Make A Keepsake Butterfly Craft With Me
Are you studying butterflies for spring? This was one of my Y5's favorite units. Because butterflies are such a popular theme, I designed this keepsake butterfly card your students can make for their mom for Mother's Day.
If you're all set for Mother's Day, the packet is very versatile, as I’ve included 3 stationery templates to choose from to glue a butterfly to: Fluttering by with a Mother’s Day Hi; Fluttering by with a Father’s Day Hi; and Fluttering by with a friendly Hi.
Students take off their shoe and trace it on their color choice of folded construction paper. When they cut out their “butterfly wing” they will have two. These sweet little feet become the "wings"of a butterfly that they decorate.
So that children know where to glue their butterfly’s wings, make a sample to share with them. So that their "wings" are not too far apart or too close together, explain that they should use the thorax as a guide before they glue everything down.
Because we had already studied butterflies, my students were familiar with the science vocabulary. If yours are not, this activity is a fun way to learn.
Show students several ways they can arrange their butterfly. I think gluing them at a diagonal is pretty cool, and offers another teachable moment to introduce that spatial direction word, to help grow their vocabularies.
Beforehand, cut a variety of colors for the butterfly’s body and fold them. I made a template for 3 different size thoraxes to accommodate the different shoe sizes of students. Next, they glue only the head and bottom tip of the thorax down, so that it is 3 dimensional.
For extra 3D pop, cut a small slit around the top of the btterfly's head. (I use an Exacto knife). Students bend a pipe cleaner in half to make a V-tip, and then curl the ends around a pencil.
Insert the tip into the slit and tape the end on the back. Students make adjustments by bending the antennae forward a bit. If you don't want to fuss with this step, have children draw antennae on with a crayon or marker.
Run the little heart poem template off on a variety of colors of construction paper. "I made this card especially for you. The butterfly's wings were traced from my shoe." There are 6 on a page, so rough cut them. Students choose one, trim and glue it to the corner of their card.
Discuss symmetry and have children decorate their butterfly’s wings, by drawing shapes or designs on them, dotting with a bingo dauber, or Q-tip, or using stamps or stickers.
For that finishing touch, I added some dashed lines to look like the flit and flutter path of a butterfly. Glitter and wiggle eyes would also add pizzazz. Click on the link to view/download the Fluttering By Butterfly craftivity.
Thanks for visiting today. If you'd like to see some more Mother's Day FREEBIES click on the link to zip on over to that section of my site, where you'll find 30 more options! I also have an entire board on Pinterest designated for more free Mother's Day ideas, activities and crafts.
Well that's it for today. My feet have hit the floor running this morning, as I'll be flitting to the vet with my poodle pup Chloe, along with a toddler and baby. Hopefully this won't be too crazy...LOVE being a grama! Wishing you an energy-filled day.
"As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people." -Joseph B. Wirthlin
1-2-3 Come Do Some "Souper" Craftivities With Me
This "craftivity" packet is very versatile. I have templates that you can use at the end of the school year, where students write about the"souper" summer they are looking forward to, or the "souper" year they had; or they can make one for your next year's kiddos explaining why they are going to have a "souper" year in __________ grade.
Simply run off which ever pattern you need. Students color the template and then trace it on a sheet of construction paper.
I used red to blend in with the soup can, but you could offer a variety of colors.
This will become the "inside" section of the can where they'll complete the writing prompt and then "hinge" it at the top with a small piece of tape or a staple, in such a way that it flips up to reveal what they wrote.
If you've incorporated the popular "Bucket Fillers" program in your classroom, the "souper" compliment flip up or windsock, fits in nicely, and goes a long way in building a child's self-esteem. For this prompt, I prefer the windsock as it's a nice way to review the 3D cylinder shape as well as ABAB patterning.
Here's How To Make One:
I didn’t have a big sheet of red construction paper, so I had to tape two smaller ones together. The “compliment strips” are the width of a ruler and the length of the paper. I chose two colors for more pop, as well as a way to review a color pattern.
Students each get a stack of 10 strips (5 of each color). Have them glue the strips to the bottom of their large sheet of paper that has their soup can glued to the front. I left 1/2 an inch of space in between the strips.
Put students in groups of 9. Review what an adjective is and then brainstorm nice things (compliments) that they could write about each other.
Children write something about themselves on one of the strips, and then pass their paper to the next person.
Passing continues within the group ’til everyone has written something on each person’s windsock. The teacher visits each group and writes something for each child on the 10th strip.
Students gently curve their flat “souper can” into a cylinder shape and staple the ends together. Punch a hole on either side, attach a 12 inch piece of yarn and dangle from the ceiling.
Having students make a windsock for your next year's kiddos would also make a wonderful back-to-school welcome display. After the first day, take them down and pass them out to your new students. They read and share with the class. Hopefully these will help ease first day jitters and get your students excited about the year ahead.
Finally, to help celebrate special holidays, there are patterns for a "souper" mom or dad, as well as one they can make for Grandparent's Day, plus a blank one to fill in with whatever.
Keep in mind, that any of the 2D writing prompt options, can easily be turned into the 3D cylinder shaped windsock craft too.
Click on the link to view/download the "Souper" Writing Prompt Craftivity Packet. Thanks for visiting today. Feel free to PIN away.
"My greatest strength is common sense. I'm really a standard brand like Campbell's tomato soup." -Katherine Hepburn
1-2-3 Come Color Mom's World With Me
This fingerprint keepsake card is a quick, easy and fun craftivity, with wonderful results. I've included 2 options for creating them. Little ones can simply color the letters and then carefully press fingerprints on the paper.
Older students can place the letter templates over the blank poem-page and then press their prints in and around the letters. After they are content with the look of their paper, they carefully lift off the templates to reveal the word mom.
This is the technique that I used on the photograph. I saw a similar poem all over the Internet, and revamped it for this project. The original author is unknown. Here is my version:
"I've left some little fingerprints on just about every wall, on furniture, doors and windows, I've really marked them all. Here are some that won't rub off to remember when I was small, because I'll love you forever, even when I'm big and tall."
Show children your sample and have them read the word MOM, then flip the page upside down and ask them to read the "new" word WOW. Encourage them to share this demostration with their own card, explaining that they think their mom is a wow mom.
Click on the link to view/download the Fingerprint Mother's Day Keepsake Card.
Another colorful card is the Mother's Day Rainbow Writing Prompt Mobile. Have students brainstorm with you, thinking of ways their mothers color their world with love, caring, joy etc. List these on the board.
Cut strips of construction paper. Students fold the strips in half. Using a glue stick, they rub glue over one section, place a piece of yarn down the middle and then press shut. They continue this process until they have all of the colors of the rainbow represented.
Students complete the writing prompt by composing a sentence on each strip. Older students can write on both sides. Add the finishing touch by including a photograph.
Click on the link to view/download the Mother's Day Rainbow Writing Prompt Mobile. Thanks for visiting today. Feel free to PIN away.
"The phrase 'working mother' is redundant." -Jane Sellman
1-2-3 Come Make A Butterfly With Me
I used to make a perpetual Mother's Day calendar using some of the monthly artwork that my Y5s enjoyed creating. Since we studied butterflies, I had a room helper trace my students' foot with their shoe on and then cut them out. These sweet little feet became the "wings"of a butterfly that they decorated.
Since the butterfly activities have been such a popular download, I thought I'd share this idea as a Mother's Day "craftivity."
If you're all set for this holiday, the packet is very versatile, as I’ve included 3 stationery templates to choose from to glue a butterfly to: Fluttering by with a Mother’s Day Hi; Fluttering by with a Father’s Day Hi; and Fluttering by with a friendly Hi.
Students take off their shoe and trace it on their color choice of folded construction paper. When they cut out their “butterfly wing” they will have two.
Make a sample to share with your students so that they know where to glue their butterfly’s wings. I think these look interesting at a diagonal.
Before hand, cut a variety of colors for the butterfly’s body and fold them. I made a template for 3 different size thoraxes to accommodate the different shoe sizes of students. Next, they glue only the head and bottom tip of the thorax down, so that it is 3 dimensional.
Cut a slit around the top of the head. Students bend a pipe cleaner in half to make a V-tip, and then curl the ends around a pencil. Insert the tip into the slit and tape the end on the back. Students make adjustments by bending the antennae forward a bit.
Run off the little heart poem on a variety of colors of construction paper. Students choose one, trim and glue it to the corner of their card. "I made this card especially for you. The butterfly's wings were traced from my shoe." Discuss symmetry and have children decorate their butterfly’s wings.
For that finishing touch, I added some dashed lines to look like the flit and flutter path of a butterfly. Stickers, glitter and wiggle eyes would also add pizzazz. Click on the link to view/download the Fluttering By Butterfly craftivity.
Thanks for visiting today. Feel free to PIN away. If you'd like to see some more Mother's Day FREEBIES simply scroll down to take a look at this week's blog articles, or click on the link to zip on over to that section of my site, where you'll find 30 more options!
1-2-3 Come Make Some Mother's Day Keepsakes With Me
I really enjoy designing things that incorporate standards at the same time creating a keepsake that moms will like. With that in mind, I came up with a "berry" special packet.
Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits, and were also popular with my Y5's. They are fun and easy to draw and provide a great play on words.
In the "Berry" Special Packet, I've included templates for both a mom and dad, so you can use this "craftivity" for Mother's Day or Father's Day. There's also a generic one that says: "You are 'berry' special" so students can make this for another significant other as well. This would be fun for Grandparents' Day too.
I've included a pattern to make the leafy portion. Add a bit more pizzazz by making the leaves 3D. Have students cut out two and then fold one in half. Match up the leaves and glue only one section on top of the other.
If you look closely at the photo you'll be able to see how the leaves pop up. Adding a stem and strawberry blossom, gives the card that finishing touch.
Older students can add a second strawberry and "hinge" their card with a small piece of Scotch tape. Children complete the writing prompt, add a bit of color, trim and glue to the inside. Younger students can simply complete just the sentence on the front.
To make things extra special, have students glue on their school picture and make a heart using their thumbprints (see photo).
Leaves can also be made by tracing a child's handprints. I made an example of both, so you can see how they turned out. Click on the link to view/download the "Berry" Special Craftivity.
While I was making my sample, I thought that a mini version of this would make a quick, easy and inexpensive end or beginning of the year gift for students.
Turn this into a sweet treat by attaching your card to a berry-flavored juice box, or package of Wild Berry Skittles and you're set!
Click on the link to view/download the "Berry Special Summer/School Year Gift.
Thanks for visiting today. Feel free to PIN away. To see another fun keepsake craft for Mom, scroll down and take a look at a cute "horseshoe."
"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside of your body." -Elizabeth Stone
1-2-3 Come Make A Mother's Day Card With Me
One of my favorite gifts is flowers and I absolutely love to garden. Most of what I plant is some sort of perennial flower; it's easy for me to spend lots of happy hours digging in the dirt.
I have fond memories of sunflowers, so I thought I'd design a few Mother's Day "craftivities" featuring these beauties. For some awesome photographs of sunflowers, click on the link.
The first "writing-prompt card" features one large sunflower blossom. Students color, trim and then glue their sunflower to a sheet of construction paper. I like a dark blue background the best.
Run off the circle pattern on brown construction paper and rough cut. Students trim and then "hinge" to the center of the flower with a tiny piece of tape.
This will cover the greeting: "You are my sunshine. Happy Mother's Day!" that is underneath. Add a school photo to this "flip over flap" for that finishing touch.
Older students can complete the writing prompt: My mom brings sunshine to my life..." and glue it to the back of their picture. I've provided a template for that. Click on the link to view/download the You Are My Sunshine card.
If you have the time, this is a sweet song to teach your kiddos. Encourage them to sing the chorus to their mom after they present her with the card.
To see the words, and hear the lyrics to You Are My Sunshine click on the link, for an age-appropriate YouTube video.
Another Mother's Day sunflower card, is a bit more complicated as it involves some folding and more cutting.
I recommend it for 1st grade and up, but with a little help, I think a 5-year-old could also do a nice job.
I call this card "My love for you grows" as students accordion fold the middle section and glue it to the bottom of the flowers and then connect it to the top of the flower pot.
As mom opens and unfolds the card, it "grows and grows and grows." Older students can write on the back why their love for their mother continues to grow.
Have students write Mom (or anyone that they are fond of) in one of the centers, and glue their photo in another.
Click on the link to view/download the My love grows Mother's Day activity.
Finally, students can also choose to make an entire bouquet for their mom.
Children pick a partner and take turns tracing each other's hand, with a little wrist showing, and then cut it out. Have a room helper do this for preschool kids.
Run off the flower pattern on white construction paper.
Students trace the stems with a green marker or crayon and then glue their handprint so that it looks like they are holding the flowers.
Using different colored stamp pads, have students make fingerprint "petals" around the circles to create "flowers." Have them do the same thing to make some "leaves" on the stems. A thumbprint makes a nice big floral center.
The template includes my little poem: "These flowers are my fingerprints that I know is true. It's a Mother's Day bouquet especially for you."
Older students can complete the writing prompt: If I could have any mom I'd still pick you because... or I made this special bouquet for you because... on the back of their picture. Click on the link to view/download the Fingerprint Bouquet Mother's Day Craftivity.
Thanks for visiting today. Feel free to PIN away. Sharing makes our lives a bit easier, and we are all better for it.
"What is a mom but the sunshine of our days and the north star of our nights." -Robert Brault