Dec 17 2008
Days and Days of Christmas Activities!
I am WAY behind today! The UNITY booklett gives us the following for the days I missed posting:
Friday, December 12, 2008: GOAL.
With GOD’s help I reach my goal. I’m a bright shining star! We can tell our children that we can do or be GOD withing them helps them at all times!
Help our children to set a goal to do well at a sport or learn how to play a musical instrument. They can set goals to do well in school or to get along with others. Whatever they set out to do, GOD will help them to be their best self!
MAKE A STAR!
You need construction paper, glitter, glue, crayons or markers.
Draw a star on construction paper and write a goal on it. Decorate your star and hang it when dry so you can see it everyday and work towards it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Saturday, December 13, 2008: SHINE. I let my light shine.
We are all children of GOD and a bright light in the universe. Like the stars that shine at night or the snow that sparkles in the sunlight, I let my light shine everywhere I go. The light of GOD shines through me and helps me be the best we can be. When we talk, play, learn, or rest, we let the light of GOD shine through us.
THE FAMILY ACTIVITY FOR THE DAY IS TO MAKE A SNOW GLOBE!
Check to make sure that the ornament you have chosen will fit within the diameter of your jar.
You will probably find that the ornament needs to be elevated somewhat to be properly visible within the globe. Use a small plastic bottle lid to create a base; the white plastic lid that I used to do this is visible in the photo, showing as a white area just below the ornament.
Make a trial run. Invert your globe jar and remove the glass part, leaving only the lid. Place the plastic base in the center of the lid, then position the ornament on top of this. Place the jar over the ornament and check the fit. If the ornament is high enough to view clearly, use silicone or aquarium sealant to glue the ornament firmly to its plastic base, then glue the base lid to the center of the inverted globe lid. Allow this assembly to dry and set, using the cure time recommended by the sealant manufacturer.
Use another small jar to test the snow fall. Fill the test jar with distilled water, or boiled water that has cooled, then add a scant teaspoon of glitter. Put the lid on and shake it to see if you like the effect. If the snow is too sparse, add a little more glitter. Add a few drops of glycerin and test it again. The glycerin should slow the rate of the snow fall quite nicely.
I have read that you can use mineral oil instead of water and glycerin, but I haven’t yet tried this method.
Working over a sink, pour the water and glitter into the globe jar, filling it to the very top. Invert the ornament assembly into the water and screw the lid into place. Some water will be displaced and spill over the top of the jar. Wipe the jar dry and shake it up! I enjoyed this part the most, I think, because the little church looked so pretty in the midst of a glittery snow storm.
You can use the sealant to glue the jar to a wooden base or another plastic lid, if you like, for extra stability. Although I did use a wooden base for my snow globe, I chose not to glue the two together - this way, I can just pick up the glass jar to shake it.
Paint the base and the jar lid in your choice of color. I chose a terra cotta brown which looks quite effective.
Once the paint is dry, use craft glue to add your choice of Christmas coiled rope, a circle of Christmas lace, or whatever you wish to add as embellishments.
*photo found on allfreecrafts.com!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sunday, Decemebr 14, 2008 : Ready!
I am an awesome child of GOD. I am ready to do what I need to do today. Write a letter to GOD.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday, December 15, 2008: STRONG!
I am strong in mind, body and spirit! GOD is always with me to help me be strong in body, mind and spirit. My body is strong. I use muscles that help me walk, run, and play. My mind is strong. I learn new words, new games, and new ways of getting along wiht others everyday. I tell others what I learn. GOD loves me. I am strong in spirit.
How to Make Victorian Paper Chains
For Victorian Paper Chains, one will need:
- Red and green, or other colored, construction paper or heavy paper where children have colored their own Christmas scenes or patterns
- Enough bowls for everyone participating, with about a tablespoon of water and a tablespoon of flour per bowl.
- A glass of water, for re-wetting paste, and extra flour, for making more paste as needed
- Q-tips for each bowl.
To make the chains:
-
Cut the construction paper into strips of desired size. The thicker the strips, however, the more paste it will take to hold them.
-
Mix flour and water in each bowl to make paste. Add more flour or water as needed to make paste thick but not lumpy. Note that the paste in bowl will solidify over time, so add more water as needed.
-
When paste is ready, apply about a half inch down on one end of a paper strip with a Q-tip. Connect the strip to form a loop. Hold the paper together firmly for at least thirty seconds, so that it will stay glued.
-
Stick another strip of paper through the first paper loop. Repeat step 3 until chain is desired length. Let chain dry for several hours before hanging.
Use chains to decorate the Christmas tree, doorways, children’s beds, or anywhere in the home that needs a bit of holiday cheer.
For the wonderful history on Victorian paper chains, click here!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tuesday, December 16, 2008: PLAY!
We can play well with others. Playing gives me energy and makes me feel good. I like to play and have fun whether I am alone or with a group of friends. When we play with our friends, we follow the rules, share our toys and treat others the way we like to be treated. When I play alone, I use my imaginationto create games that are entertaining , safe and fun!
KABOOSE has an entire page of FREE, child safe games to play online by clicking here.
