I've recently been looking into making more Chinese New Year crafts together as a way to celebrate the upcoming holiday. With my current infatuation with watercolor crafts, we recently made these watercolor painted paper fans together. Watercolor Painted Paper Fans This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support! Our Favorite Chinese New Year Books Prior to making the craft, we had already been reading books explaining the holiday. Here are some of our favorites! The Runaway Wok Bringing In the New Year My First Chinese New Year Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year Celebrating Chinese New Year Is it just me or are watercolor crafts like the best? The colors are always so vibrant and it's easy to make lovely, colorful art (and it doesn't require much clean up or prep too- score!) We've recently been going through some transitions over here when I gave birth to my second son. He's been such a gift to our family, but navigating transitions (even good ones) have never been my strong point. Luckily, painting and crafting make me feel happy... so I really enjoyed making these beautiful fans! Materials Needed: Ok, all you need for this craft are: Paper (We use drawing paper for the watercolors, but you can just use plain old computer paper too if you decide to go another route.) Other drawing tools (Markers, Crayons, these cool twistable crayons, Sharpies) Stapler Tape Let's Make Some Watercolor Painted Paper Fans You could go 3 routes when making these fans. Option 1: You could just draw/paint whatever comes to mind.... I made this design by drawing a bunch of dots randomly on the page with Sharpie marker and then connecting them with lines to make triangles. I find geometric shapes to be quite modern and aesthetically pleasing, don't you? Then, I just painted all the shapes in. Option 2: Plan a specific Design- Think in halves! Or, you could try to make a specific design on the fan. We'll be folding these fans in half, so imagine the paper divided in half and draw two different designs on each half. I also wanted to make a dragon fan for Chinese New year, so I drew this pattern out. (You can download it over here Chinese New Year Dragon Printable Fan ). When it's folded it makes a completed dragon fan. My son really liked this one, so he spent most of the time coloring it in... and then telling me that he didn't want to turn it into a fan. Oh well! Once you've finished your design, accordion fold it. Then, fold it in half. Staple yourself a handle and tape the two sides together. Spread your fan out and admire your completed design! Oh! Here's what the stripey design looked like folded. I went a bit crazy with painting and made several. Aren't they pretty? Option 3: Fold first, then paint! And... if you want to, you could also just fold up a bunch of these first and then paint them. That's another option too! (The stripey fan on the lower right corner was painted that way.) Another cute fan craft: Now if you liked making this paper fan craft, you should also check out my folding popsicle stick fans. They're a bit more work, but they also are a bit cooler because you can open and close them! Hope you have a fun time making these with your kiddos. Let's Keep in Contact! You can always find more fun ideas on my Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram accounts! Happy making!
FREE printable Symmetry drawing activity for preschool and kindergarten kids. A fun art and math activity in one! Kids will complete the symmetrical pictures by drawing the other half.
My 5 Senses - Activities and Printables - Touch, taste, smell, sight, sound... so many fun kids activities!
While everyone just finished welcoming in the New Year, my family and I are awaiting another New Year’s celebration. January 28th is the Chinese Lunar New Year and for my Vietnamese family it is Tết . *This post contains affiliate links* I have been talking to my daughter about the upcoming holiday, so over the weekend, we made […]
By the time you kids grow to the age of 5 or 6 they will now start going to Kindergarten. My elder one is in that age range 5+ yrs and hence we have started learning science in a fun way with DIY experiments at home. You can find them here and we would want […]
Teach children about emotions with activities to identify, express, and manage their feelings appropriately in school with these tips!
Science projects for kids can be fun and exciting. Make hands-on science crafts at home with these easy at home science crafts.
Instead of kicking it off with the tired old standby the “What I did over summer vacation” essay, why not try an activity that is a little more original?
Make beautiful bubble painting Hydrangea flowers! Fun DIY dish soap paint recipe. Great kids art activity & easy beginner watercolor ideas!
Teaching students the importance of identifying text structures is crucial to their reading comprehension of nonfiction texts. These reading nonfiction text structures crafts are a fresh, hands on and unique way students can visually see each text structure broken down for them. It is an alternative to reading response that will help you to reach all learners in your classroom. These nonfiction text structures activities require little to no prep, and the only materials needed are scissors and glue (metal fasteners needed for the descriptive text structure wheel). WHAT’S INCLUDED: 11 Text Structures Crafts: Text Structure Tower: Students lift the flaps of their tower to record their text structure type, clue words/signal words that helped them identify the text structure, as well as a visual representation of their text structure type. An option is also included for students to record notes from the text rather than create a visual representation. Text Structures Clipboard: This clipboard includes a reference chart that breaks down the 5 text structures. It provides an explanation, clue words, and a visual for each type of text structure. This lift the flap craft has students identify the text structure and clue words, and create a visual representation. Cause & Effect Explosion: Students record the cause in a flask and the effect(s) in the explosion. Cause & Effect Raincloud: Students record the cause in the cloud and then hang effects from their cloud onto raindrops. Lift the Flap Timeline: Students create an illustration or symbol on the front flap for each event, and then describe the event on the inside (also included as a text feature craft in the Nonfiction Text Features pack). Problem & Solution Light Bulb: Students record the problem on the broken bulb and solution on the light bulb underneath. Problem & Solution Puzzle: Students record the problem onto 2 puzzles pieces that open up to reveal the solution. Compare & Contrast Lift the Flap Venn Diagram: Students write differences and similarities between 2 topics from their text onto a lift the flap Venn diagram. Compare & Contrast Lift the Flap Book: This craft has space for students to describe similarities and differences between 4 topics in a text. Descriptive Text Structure Wheel: Students record either 6 or 10 descriptive traits about the topic of their text on the back page of their wheel. The front of the wheel is an image of a web, which is a classic graphic organizer for this type of text structure. Descriptive Text Structure Branch: Students record the topic on their branch and then descriptions on each leaf.
Caregiver created list of dozens of dementia activity ideas.
It is helpful for your client to have an art therapy supplies kit that they can use when seeking coping strategies through art therapy activities.
We often underestimate what a kind word, a touch, a smile, a sympathetic listening ear, or a compliment can do for mental health. During your working hours, you will see many clients outside of programmed activities; seize the opportunity and engage with them. It will only take a minute or two and can transform someone's state of mind and lift their spirits more than you can imagine.
Looking for fun STEM activities to do outside? Pendulum painting is perfect for kids of all ages. This pendulum STEAM activity is perfect for spring & summer.
Turn crumpled pieces of paper into colorful artwork in this fun art project for kids. This easy art activity is inspired by the children’s book, Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds! The colorful paper has such a cool texture when finished and can be used for making collages or writing notes! (This post contains affiliate links.) …
More than just a detective kit for kids, this discovery box from Green Kid Crafts is full of detective science activities...
Games, songs, and more!
Worry Group Art Activity: Help your students in worry group personify their worries by making a worry monster with watercolors and deep breathing!
A big part of what we do with children is teach them safe and appropriate ways to cope and express themselves. We aren’t born knowing how to walk and we also aren’t born knowing how to …
Arts & Crafts: STEM activities. Click here to read more from BritMums - Britain's BIGGEST collective of lifestyle bloggers & social influencers.
Today, I thought I would share one of the biggest resources that has ever been created for you. This post contains enough arts and crafts ideas to get you through the summer, fall, winter, spring... and many more rounds after that! I decided to have this resource include both art ideas AND craft ideas. The
Make your own Robotic Articulated Hand Project that teaches tendons, bones and other parts of hand. Best Science Project for middle schoolers. Learn how hand works with robotic movements.
60+ amazing paper crafts for kids (and adults) to make! From paper mache to printables, we've collected awesome ideas for crafts to make with paper!
In an era of high stakes testing, art is sometimes the first thing to go but we as teachers need to find ways to continue providing art experiences for our students. Not only is art just plain fun, and let's face it, kids do need fun, but it's much more than that. Art is beneficial in so many ways! Find out ways to incorporate art in this post by The Teacher Next Door.
Today we are going to learn about some simple physics by doing simple and easy science activity i.e. Refraction of light. This activity is so quick and I really wondering how I missed this experiment this long to explain or show my kids and make them Wowww!! This is one among the 10 min STEAM […]
These Destination Dig VBS Craft Ideas are a roundup of ideas that fit the theme for Lifeway's VBS for 2021 and are sure to make your VBS a blast!
Our collection of Germany Crafts for Kids are ideal to help you learn about this amazing country! Perfect for German Unity Day and Oktoberfest!
This simple buoyancy kids' science activity requires just a few common household supplies. Kids will love learning why things sink and float!
Story retelling is an ongoing core kindergarten skill and takes place when a student is able to comprehend a story and retell it in their own words. A retell should include key details like characters, the setting, the problem, main events (BME) and solution of the story. Kindergarten students do most story retells from listening to a story read aloud. Because of this, I feel it’s super important to select high quality and engaging texts to help develop a real love for reading. For me, I’m drawn to a silly or feel good story that opens up the floor for a great conversation. I want it to be a memorable and lovable story that they'll want to tell and retell! My Master's is actually in Library Science, so I'm extremely passionate about book selection AND story retelling for littles. So much that... I've married them into a series of monthly retelling activities, using high quality picture books, that work perfect in a kindergarten and first grade classroom. Pre, During and After Reading: Set your students up for success! Book talk the text prior to reading. When reading, an interactive read aloud goes along way with comprehension, I love to occasionally stop and really dig into an illustration or get student input when reading aloud. Whether you retell on day one or later, your kiddos will need to recall key details, and I love doing it with multiple and varied exposure using a single story. Retelling Hand: I like to start and review with a retelling visual like the retelling hand! You can grab a free retelling hand by clicking here. Review the parts of a story retell and then give the kiddos time to "turn and talk" to recall information in the story together. Retell Games: I love board games and just games in general. They're engaging, casual and get you TALKING and moving a little bit! After the kiddos have spent time with a partner, I like to take it up a notch and retell it in a gaming setting. My retelling activities generally include a low-prep game to help the kiddos start chatting alongside some visual support. Anchor Chart: Shared Writing and Sequence: After double exposure with a buddy, it's time to come together and discuss the retell. Review and record the characters and setting. For the sequence portion, students will help you order the events. Once the events have been sequenced, students will help come up with the beginning, middle and end to wrap up the retell (great shared writing practice). If you're looking for interactive writing opportunities, scripting the BME sentences would also be a great way for students to come up and assist with writing. The picture card activity works great on chart paper, a pocket chart or even repurposed later on using a pocket chart in a literacy center. *all corresponding activities can be found here. The Retelling CRAFT or Printable Option: To offer a chance for independent practice, the story craft or cut & paste printable will allow the individual student to practice sequence and retelling the story at their own pace and sharpen fine motor skills. I've always told my students a retell activity is a keepsake... because it's almost like you're taking the book home to read it to a loved one. This retell activity supports the mentor text Florette by Anna Walker. *all corresponding activities can be found here. Written Expression: The written and illustrated graphic organizer is another way for students to show their comprehension of the story after reading and practice writing. If you're making a follow-up literacy center with the picture cards in a pocket chart, this printable (or any of the others within the kit) would be a great add-on. For more retell activities, click here!
Keep your kids busy and having fun inside on rainy winter days with this selection of 50 fantastic indoor activities for kids. Easy crafts + games.
Let's talk about teaching adjectives. Specifically, how you can build interest and engagement by incorporating art and poetry into your lesson.
For everyone who hasn’t gotten their Hogwarts letter yet. Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed 1. Learn about chemical reactions with a lemon volcano. babbledabbledo.com Not only is this experiment cool, it also smells good! Get the tutorial at Babble Dabble Do. 2. “Marinate” gummy worms in a concoction that turns them into “electric eels.” bitzngiggles.com They’re […]
In our classroom we have been learning all about prepositions. I usually hate teaching grammar, but these hands-on reading units have made it so much more fun! Pinterest I started off by introducing prepositions with a song… These songs were PERFECT!! If you play them, be prepared for a classroom of little singers that will […]
Five engineering challenges for kids – with wooden clothespins, binder clips, and craft sticks! It’s a simple STEM activity that kids of all ages will love. Move over, expensive building sets! These simple materials were a huge hit with my boys. The first time we got them out, Owen (almost 7) spent well over an […]
Help your children understand and feel gratitude through art. Check out this list of 10 simple gratitude-based drawing prompts for your children.
Math and Art are no strangers, as these Math Art Activities for Kids show! Be ready to be mesmerized by how even Math can look gorgeous!
Five engineering challenges for kids – with wooden clothespins, binder clips, and craft sticks! It’s a simple STEM activity that kids of all ages will love. Move over, expensive building sets! These simple materials were a huge hit with my boys. The first time we got them out, Owen (almost 7) spent well over an […]
How the stomach breaks down food: a hands-on demonstration to understand the two ways in which the stomach breaks down food during digestion.
I recently developed a slight obsession with Shrinky Dinks. It was one of my favorite crafting activities as a child, and now as a mom, my daughter is having fun with it too. If you’ve never used it, it’s basically thin sheets of plastic that you can cut and color and then bake in the oven, […]
Exploring life and art through the lens of my faith. Art journaling transforms our words and thoughts into images.
Therapeutic art activities are an excellent tool for school counselors to integrate into group counseling and individual counseling. It allows students to express thoughts and feelings in a different way that is less intimidating and more engaging. How can you integrate art therapy?
This magic paper towel art will blow your child's mind. As if by magic you can make pictures or colours appear by placing a paper towel in water. How is this possible you ask, is it magic or is it science? Whatever it is this surprise drawing activity is definitely fun!
A Scream Box is a fun and effective way to vent some of those intense emotions that build up inside like anger, fear and stress. While breathing, physical activity and talking about it are great ways to help deal difficult emotions, sometimes you just need to scream! Handled correctly, this can be a therapeutic way to vent some of that frustration. Screaming however is not always socially acceptable or appropriate. That's where the Scream Box comes in handy.The pictures in this article are of a scream box my 13 year-old daughter made.You can decorate your box however you want, but here are the basic steps:1. Gather up the following ingredients:- Cereal box (preferably an empty one).- Cardboard tube from inside a roll of paper towels.- Old newspaper or packing paper (regular paper or tissue paper can also work)- Tape (duct tape works best, but packing tape will also suffice)- Construction paper or wrapping paper to cover the cereal box- Items to decorate your box (markers, pencils, stickers, glitter or whatever you want to use)2. Pack the cardboard tube and the cereal box full of paper. This helps to muffle the sound when you scream.3. Cut a whole in the top of the box just big enough for the tube to fit in.4. Insert the tube into the hole and duct tape all the way around the area where the tube meets the box.5. Decorate your box however you would like.Using the box is also pretty simple. When you're frustrated or angry or stressed and other calm down techniques aren't working, just pull out your scream box and scream into the cardboard tube. It doesn't totally eliminate sounds, but it will muffle your screams and still let you 'get it out.'Post a picture of your scream box in the comments below so we can see what it looks like!
Update, January 1, 2019: Hi! I have posted each resource as a free download in my new Teachers Pay Teachers store. I just uploaded the files, so they may not all be visible for a couple of hours, …
Create your own SPY WEEK with these spy and secret code activities for kids! Below, you’ll find activities, crafts, and games with a fun spy theme. This is also a great resource if you’re planning a spy themed camp or birthday party. SECRET CODE ACTIVITIES It’s so fun to send and receive messages in a […]
Easy kitchen science experiments for kids - awesome ideas for a potion lab!
Looking for a fun way to teach 2D shapes? This marshmallow geometry activity will do the trick - and fill your tummy!
K-1 POETRY UNIT I love teaching poetry to kindergarten and first grade students! Even though I have this labeled as Unit 8 in my Writing Series , I actually teach poetry throughout the entire year. We follow the same routine and students look forward to our poetry week every month.
