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Children can be encouraged to learn about
multicultural traditions and practices. Some family traditions in December
focus on Hanukkah and Christmas. Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration that
begins this year on December 9th and lasts for 8 days. Christmas is a
Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25th. Gift
giving is part of these celebrations and here are some last minute ideas.
#1 Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, celebrates a miracle 2000
years ago of allowing the temple's oil lamp to burn for eight days following
a long battle. The miracle was there was only enough oil for one day. It is
a holiday that says, "Never lose hope." Traditionally, children receive
money or presents.
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A special Hanukkah toy is a dreidel -
a four sided spinning top.
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The dreidel is used for a Hanukkah
game that is also a wonderful math game that reinforces finding 1/2
of a number.
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You will need a dreidel top and 10
small candies or pennies for each player.
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Each player places one token into the
pot, or center of table.
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The letters on the four sides of the
dreidel top tell the message - A Great Miracle Happened Here.
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Youngest player spins the dreidel and acts
according to the letter facing up –
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Each player takes a turn from youngest to
oldest.
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The game is played until one player has
all the objects or set a time limit and see who has the most tokens.
Family time is important during this
celebration.
Please click on this link for a template to make a dreidel top.
#2 Hanukkah and Christmas are celebrations where presents are shared.
Most children enjoy giving presents but have limited resources. Helping a
child with a homemade present is a joy for the giver and the receiver. Our
activity will focus on making a special beverage for Mom, Dad or another
important person in your child's life.
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A container of Instant Creamy Vanilla
Cappuccino will be made using measuring skills.
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The ingredients needed: a wide-mouth
pint jar with lid; 1/3 cup of dry milk; 2/3 cup plus 1TBLS sugar;
2/3 cup vanilla (or other flavored) powdered coffee creamer; 1/3 cup
instant coffee.
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Blend all the ingredients in a mixing
bowl with a whisk and add to the jar.
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Write the following directions on a
card and attach to the jar.
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Place 1 1/2 to 2 Tablespoons of the
mix into a cup. Add 1 cup of boiling water and stir until the
mixture is completely dissolved. Top with whipped cream if desired.
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A child can decorate the jar and a mug
can be added when giving the gift.
This is so easy for a child to make and
give and appreciated by any coffee drinker.
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#3 Children need ideas for creative gifts that they can make. Here is
a favorite that is simple to do and always appreciated.
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You will need small coaster size
pieces of slate. Check at craft stores for coaster size pieces that
already have felt on the back (often $1.00 or less per piece) .
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Also needed is a paint brush and a
bottle of Mod-podge which is a water base sealer, glue and finish.
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The final item is a picture of the
special person or of the giver, or you can cut a picture from old
holiday cards or postcards.
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Have a child cut out the picture and brush
the mod-podge on the back and position on the slate.
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Wait 15 minutes until the picture has
dried before brushing the whole top of the picture and the slate with
another coat of Mod-podge.
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Apply up to 5 coats allowing each coat to
dry before applying the next coat.
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These can be used as coasters or I like
using as place settings. The coaster can be placed in a small easel on
the dinner plate or right on the plate for guests to find their spot at
the table.
The next year just use an updated photo and
mod-podge right over the previous picture if using as place settings. This
is an easy gift for a child to make that will be appreciated for years.
#4 If you are counting the days until Christmas and time is short,
there is still time for a child to create a personal gift for a special
relative or friend. Gardening is often a favorite hobby and using a knee pad
when planting and weeding is a help. You can find pads in discount and
gardening stores for under $5.00.
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Begin by cutting paper the size of the
knee pad.
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Choose a favorite saying to put on the
pad using a wide tip permanent marker.
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Help a child plan how to position the
wording on the practice paper sheet. Once the words fit correctly on
the paper, guide a child in writing on the knee pad.
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A young child can just draw a picture
if writing is too difficult. Both sides of the knee pad can be
decorated.
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Teaching the joy of giving is a gift we can share with children.
Let me
know by e-mail what your favorite activity was this month. I am compiling information for a resource book
and want your input. Thanks.
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