Naturally Educational » History and Culture
How to Make a Sock Snowman
My kids have been so eager to make a snowman. We finally got a snowfall and we were all too sick to enjoy. In the meantime, they were able to make these easy sock snowmen! Materials: white athletic sock rice yarn googly eyes and other embellishments (felt, pom poms, buttons) Directions: 1. Fill the sock about 3/4 of the way with rice. 2. Tie off the sock, tight. 3. Fold the top of the sock down over the knot to create a hat. 4. Tie … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Art, Featured, History and Culture
Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration!
We had a lot of fun at a Chinese New Year Celebration this weekend! My kids especially loved the lion dancers (in the Southern style). Before we went, we made red envelopes to feed the lions: In addition to the lion dancers, there was also a demonstration of traditional Japanese drumming: For the last number, there was audience participation! Afterwards there was a cute dragon hand print craft in honor of the year of the dragon! … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), All Ages, Featured, History and Culture
Chinese New Year Dragon Puppet
Last year we made a dragon with paper loops. This year I thought we would try a puppet! It looks perhaps a bit too snake-like. I think next year we’ll try again with something around the head…maybe more ribbons? Or possibly I will just a make a template? Materials: red paper white paper red and gold paint cardboard tube (toilet paper tube) googly eyes ribbon craft sticks gold crayon or marker glue scissors Directions: 1. Cut a mouth in the cardboard tube. 2. Paint! Then let dry. 3. While that … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture
How to Make an Ice Lantern
We were looking forward to this simple way to welcome the winter but the weather has not cooperated until now! Originally, we wanted to make an ice lantern on the Winter Solstice. Then we were aiming for New Year’s. We could have used the freezer but it is hard getting in the winter spirit when it feels like spring! Materials: one large plastic container or bucket one smaller plastic container (a plastic cup would work) water one tea light twigs, berries, … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Featured, History and Culture, Science, Weather, Winter
How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
My daughter first made cinnamon applesauce ornaments in her preschool class and I was just so fascinated by them! I couldn’t believe that cinnamon and applesauce together would dry solid and sturdy enough and that the applesauce would not attract pests. Spices are natural preservatives and pest repellents, as I know from our apple pomanders and the dough does indeed dry solid but you need to give it time. Materials: Applesauce Cinnamon Cookie Cutters Embellishments Directions 1. Mix equal parts applesauce and cinnamon. … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Home Arts, Smell, Touch, Winter
6 Picture Books for Chanukah
Last night our Jewish friends began their celebration of the miracle of Chanukah. Although my husband and I are not Jewish, most of my family is. And we want the children to learn about festivals, beliefs, and traditions from other culture. Whether you are celebrating Chanukah or just want to share these books with your kids, here are 6 children’s picture books about Chanukah! Maybe next year I will have eight! Maccabee!: The Story of Hanukkah, by … Read entire article »
Filed under: 0-3 (Babies and Toddlers), 1-2 (Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergartners), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture
Homemade Ornaments the Kids Can Make
Here are some of the homemade ornaments the kids have crafted each year…more on the way! Beaded Snowflake Ornaments Beaded Wreath Ornaments Marbleized Globe Ornaments Pins and Beads Christmas Tree Ornament … Read entire article »
Filed under: 1-2 (Toddler), 1-2 (Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), All Ages, Featured, History and Culture, Winter
Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft
My daughter filled in the sentence, “During the Holidays, my family likes to _____” with “decorate the Christmas tree”. Eep! With my husband on National Guard duty last week, we haven’t gotten ours, yet! So, here’s are mini trees my kids made from a paper plate and two coffee filters and decorated with a chocolate wrapper. Plus, they got an extra chocolate treat…so it is an all around win! How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Personally, … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Winter
Beaded Wreath Ornament
We made this Christmas wreath beaded ornament using a modified daisy chain technique. My five year-old daughter is really into beading. Most seasons we create beaded ornaments to hang from the chandelier. This year, I thought she might be ready for the challenge of a simple bead-weaving technique. Since we are using pipe cleaners instead of wire or cord, it is even easier–no need to double-back through the beads. Materials: 36 green beads 6 red beads 2 green chenille stems 1 … Read entire article »
Filed under: 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Winter
How to Make an Even Simpler Medicine Bag
My daughter made a DIY medicine bag / pouch of her own design, inspired by some of the traditional ones we saw. When my three year old son saw his sister’s, he wanted to try, too. So, I simplified the design into a drawstring pouch for him. Materials: soft felt thick embroidery needle yarn or embroidery thread beads and feathers, if desired Directions: 1. Trace and cut a circle from the felt. 2. Thread the needle (My daughter can do this but I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, History and Culture
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About the Author
Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Working with school districts around the country and some of the most well-known companies in the education industry, Candace creates custom strategies, textbooks, and lesson plans. Her articles have appeared in print and online.
While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on the job training.
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