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Poinsettia · Christmas Lesson Plan Printable Activities
The Legend of the Poinsettia
Video @YouTube
Find @ a library
The First Christmas
Christmas Bible
coloring pages
The activities below will explore the poinsettia, and how this plant is meaningful during Christmas celebrations in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The use of hand held fans is also deeply entrenched in Latin American tradition. The craft, a paper fan decorated with a poinsettia, will provide a vehicle to have children participate in this multicultural experience or revisit the traditions in their culture. The craft makes a nice holiday ornament/decoration or gift for friends, and family members.
Preparation: Display Materials and Suggestions
1. Display the Pp Poinsettia color poster prominently refer to it during the presentations and discussions.
2. If at all possible, have a real small potted poinsettia (or a fake one), or plan for a visit to a flower shop or garden center, the links below will also provide many images, but the real plant is more memorable. The potted plant can also be displayed to have children make their own painting, join the children in this art appreciation activity.
Activity > Social Studies > Places & People > Mexico and Latin American Culture
The poinsettia is special holiday gift in Latin American cultures. The flower can represent the "Christmas Star" the Three Wise Men followed to visit Baby Jesus. It is given a number of different names in different regions or countries among them: "The Good Night Flower" (or Flower of Christmas Eve). The poinsettia can be seen decorating homes, and religious places of worship, particularly around an altar. The Aztec Indians used it for medicinal purposes and to produce a colorant, among other things.
Activity > Picture Book > The Legend of the Poinsettia
Retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola > on YouTube
The
Legend of the Poinsettia > This
Mexican legend has a beautiful and meaningful message that can be
shared with the children. Explore it and decide how would
like to include its content in the activities. This legend is appropriate
for a memorable Bible activity as it relates to The Nativity > The
Birth of Jesus (Luke 2
& Mathew 2).
Activity > Science/Social Studies The Poinsettia Plant
View and share facts about the poinsettia you think the children
may find interesting here.
The biggest misconception about poinsettias is that many believe that
it is a poisonous plant, but it is not. Children should not eat
them though, and they would have to consume vast amounts and
this would probably result in a tummy ache... (they don't taste very
good either).
Language Arts >
Activity > Alphabet > P is for Poinsettia or F is for Flower & Fan
Print and present the alphabet materials of your choice.
Arts and Crafts
Activity > Poinsettia Fan Craft - Ages 3+
A fun printable craft that will help children practice basic skills and to celebrate the holiday.
External resource: Growing and caring for poinsettia
Bible and Christmas activities: Bible text: Luke
2 |
coloring pages
