crafts for kids

Materials

• Multicolored or red, green, and white construction paper
• Child's blunt-tip safety scissors
• Non-toxic glue or tape

Learning Skills

• Fine motor development
• Thinking skills
• Family values

Instructions

1. Gather the kids at the table.
2. Brainstorm ideas for family fun throughout December, such as: "Make cookies," "See Santa," "Read The Night Before Christmas," "Go see the shops' window displays," "Wrap presents," "Make gifts," "Sing holiday songs," "Decorate the tree," and so on.
3. Using a calendar, have the kids count how many days there are until Christmas.
4. Cut enough paper chain rectangles, 2 by 6 inches, to represent each day, or let the kids cut their own. Make enough for each child to create a complete chain.
5. Have the kids draw a picture of each idea on each rectangle.
6. Show the kids how to shape a rectangle into a circle. Make sure the picture is on the inside of the chain link. Glue or tape the chain link closed.
7. Tell the kids to insert another rectangle through the first circle, and glue or tape it shut.
8. Repeat until they have completed the chain using all their rectangles.
9. Let the kids take the chains home and hang them on their tree or on a doorknob or mantel.
10. Tell them to break off one chain link each day, look at the picture inside, and do the activity with their family.
11. When the last chain is broken, it will be Christmas!