Turkey Crafts!

  Thanksgiving is so close and most work places (and schools and day-cares) are closed for at least part of the week. If you are looking for some fun projects to do with the kiddos when they are home look no further! 
   We had so much fun at school this week with the 'turkey' theme. If you want more detailed instructions for any of these crafts, click on over to my facebook page!

www.facebook.com/blossomingbuttons

Coffee Filter/Toilet Paper Roll Turkey

Handprint Turkey

 

 Paper Bag Turkey

Turkey Cupcakes

Paper Plate Turkey

Preschool Daily Helpers!

    I love this project because it was cheap, effective and adorable!  I needed a way to keep track of who was line leader, caboose, lunch helper, door holder, etc. in my preschool class so I made this chart to use every morning during circle time.  The kids LOVE it. The best part is that there are not enough 'helpers' for everyone to have a job every day so they have to earn the privilege to be a helper....and you better believe I use that to my advantage!

 

Materials:

• poster sized styrofoam board
• gift card holders
• tongue depressors or popsicle sticks
• heavy duty cardstock
• black sharpie
• glue gun (or heavy duty glue)
• velcro stickers (optional)

    Start by purchasing a poster sized styrofoam board and some gift card holders (I got both of these at the dollar store!).  Decide how many daily helpers you will need each day and how many extras you will need to store the extra names.  Before you are ready to glue, arrange the holders on the poster board until you are happy with the overall look.

    Now, cut the bottom rounded section off of the gift card holder so you have a flat bottom to hold the helper sticks in place.  Glue the bottom 1/2" of the holders shut so the sticks don't slip through.  Then attach the holders to the poster board with some heavy duty glue or a glue gun.  I also added several velcro stickers on the back of the board so I could stick it to the bottom carpeted section of my classroom at school.

   Make the name sticks by writing each child's name on heavy duty cardstock and cutting them to size.  Hot glue them to the top of the popsicle sticks and let them dry for a few minutes.

   Draw pictures and the name of the helpers on cardstock (this helps the kids recognize their job) and cut them to fit on top of each helper pocket.  I also hot glued these into place.

   Now you are ready to start your daily helper routine! It is a great way for kids to feel comfortable in a regular routine and to work toward a goal of being a helper.  Not only does it provoke some great conversation about helping out and earning a reward but it also gives them something to look forward to at circle time everyday.

Astronaut Helmets!

  This is such a great art project if you are having a Space theme or talking about astronauts with your class. My kids loved experimenting with tin foil and we had a center that day that allowed them to manipulate it and discover the shapes they could make out of it. Overall, it is a simple project but it lends itself great to imaginative play. Enjoy, my fellow moon-goers!

 

Materials:

• Paper Plates
• Aluminus foil
• Elmer's Glue
• Black Construction Paper
• USA Stickers (optional)
• Pipe Cleaners
• Hole Puncher
• Scissors

Start by cutting the helmet's visor out with a pair of scissors.  Then allow each child to tear up pieces of tin foil and glue them to the plate itself. Once they are satisfied with the amount of coverage, glue on the USA sticker and the two circle shaped ear pieces to either side.

   Let the helmet dry for at least 45 minutes before using a hole punch to make two holes on either side of the helmet.  String a pipe cleaner through each hole and twist them so they are secure.


 
  Attach the helmet to the child's head by twisting the two pipe cleaners around eachother so the helmet is snug. Now let the imaginative play begin! You can go to the moon or service your spaceship, the opportunities are endless!

Enjoy!