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Young children can enjoy and also practice some skills by making
an easy greeting card that will but a smile on their parents and/or
grandparents face, they can also make a few for other special friends and
relatives.
The cards are designed to be used for the holidays listed below.
Let's read and share a little bit about the history and purpose of
the holiday in the links provided. Adjust colors and related materials to
reflect the holiday.
St. Valentine's Day > Celebrated February 14th
Mother's Day
> Generally celebrated the second
Sunday in May.
Father's Day
> Celebrated the third Sunday in June.
National Grandparents Day
> Celebrated in September, the first Sunday after
Labor Day.
Activity 1: History and Traditions of the Holiday
Ages 2 to 6:
1. Share some simple facts about the holiday
celebrated using information from the links provided above.
2. Parents: Share and explain how your family celebrates
the holiday and what traditions are observed. Examples:
Special dinners, family get-togethers, gift giving, reading a book related to the holiday,
visiting Grandparents, what special foods are
prepared on that day, etc.
3. Educators can share how the community in general celebrates
the holiday.
Activity 2: Easy Shapes Greeting Cards
18 months to 6 years old
Note: The card templates in black & white were designed so that
caregivers and families together with the children can express
in them their favorite colors, their traditions and heritage.
This craft activity will help
children learn about colors, shapes, about the images in the card
and about the holiday celebrated.
*The children will learn how fascinating it is to create a special
gift using shapes.
* Let's call this technique
"layering,." Using different shapes and images you layer
them to form another image or landscape. Go to the links and
print a template of your choice.
Method 1:
1. Child can color and decorate the pieces directly on the
template, later cut and layer/assemble. Note: Circles with
face features have been provided in the template, but also blank
circles have been provided so older children can make the face
features.
2. Fold another piece of paper or construction paper in half and
glue/layer pieces on the front.
Method 2:
1. Print the template of your choice and cut out the
pieces. Then use the templates to trace unto construction
paper, colored paper, scraps of wrapping paper, or scraps of
fabric. Proceed with the same steps above. Note:
This method allows to make additional children to glue in front of
the Mom or Dad large template. Instead of folding the paper to
form a card, make a small poster to accommodate the additional
children templates, and glue onto another colored piece of paper to
make a pretty frame.
Read the suggestions below for different age groups:
Children 18 months to 3 years:
The youngest child can participate in this greeting card creation.
Add a few drops or use glue stick to a folded piece of paper (or
card stock) and child can place the pieces on the front of the card.
Make sure to mention the colors used, shape and identify an discuss
the images of and other items in the card templates (if applicable).
You can add a hand print cut-out or paint handprint to the inside of
the card and write a message on top.
Children 3+ and older:
Older children can add and decorate the plain colored pieces
first with glitter, paint: brush strokes, sponging, cotton ball
dabbing, stampers, cut-up tissue paper, scraps of fabric to make
collage or a patchwork effect, etc. , and then proceed cut out the
pieces and layer the pieces as suggested in the small image on
the template.
* Create a 3-D Effect:
Place little pieces of roll up tape instead of glue.
This raises the different layers just a bit, and gives a nice 3-D
effect.
* Envelope: Any standard
large greeting card envelope can be used - those left over from the
holidays. Make your own envelopes by using a used one as a
template. Trace the envelope over wrapping paper - (usually
the opposite side is white and the printed side can be the inside of
the envelope). Cut and glue and you have a custom made envelope.
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Easy
Shapes Greeting Cards
Rectangular
Body
Suggestions
for
Suggestions
for masculine
Black &
White
Card 1 Template
Rectangular
Body
Card
2 Template
Oval Body
Letter H is
Heart
printable activities
* paper or card stock, white or coordinating color
scissors
glue or glue stick
A variety of materials
as described in the instructions. |
