6 New Year's Eve Activities that the Kids Will Absolutely Adore!

New Year’s kids’ activities anyone? Um, yes please! You’re celebrating “Noon Year’s Eve” at, well – noon. Or, maybe you have your fave families coming over for an evening get together. Whatever your plans are, having plenty of arts and crafts (along with some tasty treats, of course) on hand is a must-do.

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Before going crazy with crafts, start simple. You have plenty to do around the holidays. So, why add to it with complicated art projects or overly complex recipes? Yeah, yeah, Pinterest is bursting with an over-abundance of seemingly awesome ideas. You scroll down your feed and think, “Well, I could do that.” Maybe. But, keep in mind, the middle of your New Year’s Eve celebration isn’t the time to find out that what looked oh-so-easy on Pinterest (and, don’t they all?) was actually super-complicated.

Pour the Paint

 

Okay, so if you want something beyond simple to keep the kids busy (and keep them totally happy too!) put out some paints. Is it mess-free? Nope. But, all you really need are four colors – the primaries (red, yellow and blue) and white. They can mix their own hues and then paint a holiday masterpiece. Add in some glitter (yes, this multiplies the mess exponentially) for a festive sparkle.

Try Clay Play

 

If your goal is to keep the mess to a minimum, one of my favorite kids’ art activities is finger painting with clay. The secret for this one is that there’s no actual finger paint involved. Instead, your kiddo can pull apart soft modeling clay into dime-sized pieces. She can then spread it out over a cardboard surface, finger paint style. It’s a fab fine motor activity and you can adapt it for any occasion. Have your child use the clay to make New Year’s fireworks or just make abstract art.

Confetti Art

 

Let’s say you have tons of magazines hanging out in the basement, garage or attic. Maybe you don’t. But, given that Christmas and Hanukkah were just last week, you might have some extra gift wrap odds and ends stashed around. Cut those up and use as confetti. The kids can paint a piece of card stock paper with clear-drying school glue. Toss the confetti, and watch it stick. Yay!

Glitter Ball Drop

 

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1! The ball’s dropping in NYC, and at home too. Make your own with some sparkling playdough. Follow this recipe to whip up some DIY dough. Add a drop of food coloring in or don’t (the glitter will create a cool color). Sprinkle tons and tons and tons of glitter in (hey, it has to sparkle like the Times Square ball, right?) and mush it around. Your child can make the midnight drop ball and then take it apart for more playdough fun.

Glitter Gunk

 

As if playdough isn’t fun enough, try some New Year’s glitter slime! Follow these directions to mix up a batch of slime. Add in the sparkles and you’re ready for some festive science fun. The more glitter your kids use, the more solid the color will look.

Kids’ Cookies

 

When the kids tire from the crafting, try these easy no-bake cookies (here's the recipe). They’re sparkly (like the glitter) and look like mini New Year’s Eve balls. Oh yeah, and they’re super tasty too!

Craft Felt Christmas Card Art Activity

Christmas cards that you buy at the store? Sure. There’s no shame in that. We’re not all craft and there’s never enough time. But, if you’re already looking for a kids’ art activity and you have a smidge of time on your hands (at least enough to help the kiddos get artsy) – then why not try this handmade holiday greeting card?

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It's a felt board and a holiday greeting all in one! Not only do you get a kid-created card out of this activity, but your child gets to play in an artsy way, build fine motor skills, learn about colors and even practice some math (geometry, patterns and part to whole relationship). You can go one of two ways with this Christmas card: 1. Use glue. Choosing this option lets your child make a permanent greeting (and keeps the felt pieces in place). 2. Don’t use glue. Why wouldn’t your child use glue? He can make a ‘pieces pouch’ inside of or on the back of the card, including parts of the scene or design that he’s planned out. Friends and other family members (who are children) can then puzzle together the felt pieces and create their own Christmas décor.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        8x10-inch sheets of craft felt (in different colors)

·        Scissors

·        Clear-drying school glue

·        Cardboard (reuse the front of an old box)

·        Fabric markers

Here’s What to Do:

1. Cut the cardboard into a rectangle. Choose the size based on how large you want the card to be (it needs to be smaller than the craft felt sheets).

2. Sandwich the cardboard between two craft felt sheets.

3. Fold the felt and cardboard in half, making a card.

4. Glue the felt to the board. Let your child paint it on with a thin brush. While the glue is still wet you may need to slide the felt around to make room for the fold.

 

5. Cut any excess felt from around the edges.

6. Create felt pieces that make up a Christmas scene. For example, your child could cut a green triangle to make a tree, a brown square for the tree stump and colorful circles as ornaments.

7. Puzzle together the pieces on the front of the card.

8. Optional: Glue the pieces to the felt on the front.

9. Or, your child can cut another sheet of felt in half. Glue the bottom and sides to a middle page or the back of the card, making a pocket.

10. Stash the pieces for the front in the pocket.

11. Use the markers to write a message in the center of the card.

Are you looking for more kids’ Christmas activities? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

 

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Kids' Goal Setting Art Activity: Christmas Tree Ornament Craft

Do you need a class Christmas or holiday activity for your students? This goal-setting holiday tree is super-simple to create, lets kids get crafty and helps them to take ownership of themselves while looking towards the future.

I teach a children’s martial arts class, and setting goals is par for the course. Whether it’s something immediate or something more long term (such as passing a belt test), creating a goal is a step that every child needs to know. It helps the child to focus and, when the child meets the goal, gives him a true sense of pride in accomplishment.

But, simply saying, “Let’s set a goal!” doesn’t always work for every child. Some kids, especially younger ones (in kindergarten and younger), may have difficulty understanding the concept. With the holidays coming up I decided to take the goal-setting concept and make it a bit more concrete. I asked each child to make a paper Christmas ornament for the ‘Goal Tree’. You can easily adapt this project for any kind of class (preschool, elementary school or an extracurricular or arts class). This activity also works for sports teams or for parents at home.

What’s a ‘Goal Tree’? Easy – it’s a Christmas tree that is entirely decorated with the children’s goals. I started with paper ornaments. Simple circles with “My goal is…” on one side. You can download and print them here:

 

Print the ornaments to whatever size you need. I used different colors of paper that corresponded to my students' belt colors, but you can go with traditional Christmas red and green, a wintery snow white or any other hue that you'd like. After talking about what a goal is, the kids wrote their picks under, “My goal is…” They drew a picture of the goal on the other side. Next, we threaded yarn through a hold punched at the top and hung the artwork on the tree (we got a mini Charlie Brown-looking tree).

 

The plan is for the children to take home their ornaments before the holiday break. They can also use them for New Year’s, turning their ornament goals into next year’s objectives.

 

Even though our goals seemed to focus on karate (I told the children that they could pick any goal), your students’ can revolve around anything that you chose. Some ideas include goals for at home (such as be a better brother or listen to mom and dad more), school (e.g., get better grades, pass every spelling test or pay attention to the teacher) or other areas (be a better friend or help others more often). Encourage the children to get creative with their goals. Keep in mind, social and behavioral goals are equally as important as the academic ones.

 If you want to keep the 'Christmas' theme out, you can simply call this a goal tree or holiday tree. You can swap in a large potted plant or your own sculptural tree for a pine.

Are you looking to add some creativity to your classroom? Want a few art activities for the kids to try out? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas galore!

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Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Books for Kids

Holiday gift buying for kids doesn’t always have to include pretty little plastic dolls and crazy-massive playsets that require hours of assembly and a wheelbarrow filled with batteries. Something as seemingly simple as a book can give your little one hours of enjoyment.

Does your child love art? Are you looking for a way to introduce the art-viewing experiences to your toddler, preschooler or young child? Keep in mind, the illustrations in these books are art too! I was so excited to receive the book Dress Up in the mail from Home Grown Books (while I did receive the book for free, all opinions are my own). After paging through this awesomely artsy board book I couldn’t help but add it to my list of gifting favorites. If you’re not sure which books to put under the tree (or stuff in a stocking) this holiday season, check out what ‘Dress Up’ is all about and some of these other top picks!

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Dress Up, by Kyla Ryman, artwork by Cecile Dyer

Originally published as part of The Play Set from Home Grown Books, Dress Up is a creatively cute easy read with imaginatively artistic pictures (courtesy of Brooklyn-based artist Cecile Dyer). Cats play ‘dress up’ with accessories, accompanied by a word on each page for the item. Simple enough for babies and toddlers to take on, with illustrations that will still interest preschoolers.

When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden

This is one that I’ve read something like a million (ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration) times while teaching children’s art classes. Not only is it an intro to some famous artists (in animal form), but it also teaches about getting along with others and accepting different opinions.

You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser

Take a trip through NYC, and some famous artworks, in this wordless book.

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

The found object collages make easy work for your child when she wants to identify the natural items in this winter-themed book.

Brown Bear,Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

Animals and colors make this pick perfect for kids who are just learning the basics.

Dream Snow by Eric Carle

A Christmas book for Christmas time! Carle’s collage-like style interest’s the child’s eye, adding vivid visuals.

Babar’s Museum of Art by Laurent De Brunhoff

Who doesn’t absolutely love Babar? The adorable elephant book features some of the most famous works of art – all elephant style. I love this one for young children. It gently introduces them to the world of art, through the eyes of a favorite character.

Art Dog by Thatcher Hurd

An art heist at the Dogopolis Museum of Art is the focus of this oh-so-cute story. With imaginative illustrations, this read tells a tale that will interest kids in preschool through the early grade school years.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Chances are that this was one of your childhood favorites too. It’s a classic for a reason! The detailed illustrations jump off the page, making it an amazing entry into the idea of ‘viewing’ art.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

I remember my mom reading this to me as a child. And, I certainly remember the hundreds of times that I read it to my own child. The bold pictures turn a winter’s snow into a can’t-miss children’s book.

So, now that you have a few choices—what’s next? Take some time to look at the pictures with your child. Point to them, ask your child what she sees and encourage her to tell you what she thinks is going on. This can help her to figure out the story, even if she isn’t able to read the words quite yet. Why do this? It helps to build her budding early literacy skills and lets her see that art is all around us!

Are you looking for some creative crafts to go with your book reading adventures? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas.

 

 

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8 Nights of Kids' Hanukkah Activities

Are you looking for a few Hanukkah activities that the kids can enjoy? Well, you do have eight nights – and, that means eight opportunities for art, crafts and cooking fun!

Whether the kids are clamoring to paint, play with clay or make a tasty treat, these eight Hanukkah activities offer opportunities for artsy play, a fine motor workout, holiday learning and more.

Check out our eight night of Hanukkah, eight nights of kids’ activities:

1. Clay FingerPaint Menorah

 

 

Not looking for a major mess? Swap out the real finger paint for soft modeling clay. The result looks almost the same (and your child gets in a similar fine motor workout), minus goop and glop everywhere.

2. Sponge Paint Menorah

Ok, so the kids want the messy paint experience. Cut up a regular kitchen sponge and try this pattern play art activity (it also doubles as a math lesson – with geometric shapes and patterns).

3. HanukkahS’mores

 

Chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers and Hanukkah? Yes! You can even make these super-tasty treats entirely kosher.

4. Melting Menorah

It’s science and art all in one! Let’s not forget math and engineering too. Your child can build his own menorah, watch it melt (make a few predictions and observations) and then paint with it.

5. Reused Tube Menorah

Art-making in three dimensions. This 3D project pops off of the paper with a finger paint feel.

6. Menoreos

What? These cookie truffle balls are all about the holiday. Serve them up after dinner, give them to a friend/family member or no-bake them for a school party.

7. Dreidel Gift Box

Turn a takeout container into a dreidel. No, it doesn’t really work. But, you can open it and fill it with gifts to give.

8. CollageGift Box

If you’re looking for another gift box creation, this one is covered in a Hanukkah-themed collage. It’s easy to make, but still gives the kids the chance to build fine motor skills.

Are you looking for more creative kids’ crafts? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

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Hanukkah Melting Menorah: Science and Art for Kids!

Celebrating Hanukkah in my house hasn’t always been ‘traditional’. I’m Jewish, and my husband is not. That means our son gets eight nights of presents, plus Christmas. It also means educating him about both holidays. That said, adding in some artsy fun is always welcome when it comes to teaching.

Ok, so my son has never been in love with art (of course, because I am an arts educator—sarcasm very much implied here). So, I’ve always tried adding another type of activity in with the art. This menorah art exploration also includes science as well. It’s also part of the Multicultural Kid Blogs Hanukkah for Kids series!

I’m a fan of coloring ice cubes and letting them melt into swirling, whirling water colors. Not only does the melting ice teach your child about the solid-to-liquid transformation, but it also adds in a lesson on color mixing. If you’re beginning to ask, “What does this have to do with Hanukkah?” – here it is. You can’t let your child play with the real menorah. Lit candles and a kid just don’t mix. With that in mind, you can make a crafty menorah. You and your child can also try this melting ice science/art menorah. Unlike the slowly burning flames of the menorah’s candle, these melting ‘candles’ won’t burn anyone or anything.

Before you begin, ask your child what he thinks will happen to his ice block menorah if he leaves it out. Dig a bit deeper and ask him to predict what it will eventually turn into (also ask how long he thinks it will take to melt).

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Ice cube trays

·        Food coloring

·        Gold glitter

·        Card stock paper

Here’s What to Do:

1. Make the ice for the menorah. You need enough to make a base and ‘candle holders’. Keep in mind you need eight holders (one for each night of Hanukkah) and a center shamash candle. The shamash is the ‘attendant’ candle – the one that you use to light the others. Drip a few drops of food coloring into each compartment of the trays (sprinkle in some glitter too, if your child wants). Pour in water. Freeze.

2. Drip a few drops of yellow food coloring into another tray. You need at least none pieces to make nine flames. Sprinkle gold glitter on top to make sparkling flames. Freeze the flame cubes.

3. Pop the frozen cubes out of the freezer.

4. Stack the ice in the shape of a menorah on thick card stock paper. Encourage your child to explore and experiment with the engineering aspect of it. Let him stack the cubes in any way that he wants, making sure to count out the nine total candle holders. He can also make the center shamash holder taller than the other.

5. Add the ‘flames’. Stack the yellow and gold glitter cubes on top of the candles.

As the ice begins to melt your child can start spreading the flowing water colors around. By moving the different colors of ice he can discover what happens when the colors mix.

Eventually the menorah will melt. But, it won’t be gone. Save the remaining water color paint paper as a reminder of this Hanukkah activity.

Are you looking for more art and science activities? Follow my Pinterest board for more ideas!

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Scented Valentine's Day Heart Art for Kids

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Honestly, I thought I had tapped out when it comes to art activities. I mean, how many holiday themed crafts can one really come up with? Apparently a lot. I never fail to be surprised and impressed with what I find on Pinterest, educational websites and other people’s blogs. That said, I just couldn’t leave well enough alone. Since it’s not Valentine’s Day just yet I figured there’s plenty of time to create some more!

 

I was cleaning out the kitchen cabinets the other day and came across a few things that I had absolutely no use for: 1. Candy canes – Christmas has come and one, so what do I need three boxes of candy canes for (I bought them on sale for less than a dollar each thinking my son would eat them- he didn’t), and 2. Jello – Not that I don’t have any use for gelatin, but when the use by date is listed as 2011 … as you can imagine, I have qualms about serving it up to my family. So, the candy canes and Jello are going towards scented Valentine’s Day heart art.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        White card stock paper

·        Scissors

·        A marker

·        A candy cane

·        Jello

·        Water

·        Cups

·        Bubble wrap

·        Optional: Clear-drying school glue and a paintbrush

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Fold the card stock in half.

2.     Draw half a heart, starting at the fold.

 

3.     Cut the folded heart out.

4.     Open the heart.

 

To make a peppermint scented heart:

1.     Dip the candy cane in a cup of water. Let it start to melt.

 

2.     Paint over the heart with the candy cane. The red color will transfer onto the paper, like paint.

 

3.     Create textures. Your child can use the candy cane to scratch a texture into the ‘paint’ or try something else like pressing bubble wrap onto the heart.

 

4.     Optional: If the dried candy cane Valentine is too sticky to touch, have your child paint a thin layer of clear-drying school glue over it. This seals in the color and keeps the stickiness away.

To make a Jello Valentine:

1.     Mix a packet of gelatin with a cup of water. The less water that you use, the brighter the color will be. Experiment by adding small amounts of water and seeing how the color changes. If you leave some of the gelatin crystals whole (meaning that they don’t dissolve), the result is a glittery-looking paint.

2.     Paint the gelatin water onto the heart. Your child doesn’t need to use a brush. She can use a piece of bubble wrap to create a pattern and texture.

When your child is done making her scented holiday hearts, turn them over and write a special message on the back. She can give them to friends or family members as Valentine’s Day cards.

Are you looking for more Valentine’s Day activities? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas galore!

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