It’s Christmas time! And what better way to get your preschoolers into the holiday spirit than by having them create their own Christmas ornaments? Not only is this a fun activity that they’ll love, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for them to explore their creativity and learn more about art. Teachers can also utilize their hard work by offering rewards with little competition. Here are some tips on how to get started.
What are Some benefits of Exploring Art Through Christmas Ornaments with Preschoolers?
Creating Christmas ornaments with preschoolers is an excellent way to help them explore and express their creativity. Doing so will allow them to develop essential skills such as problem-solving, fine motor control, and hand-eye coordination. By giving them the freedom to design their decorations, they’ll be able to learn the basics of color theory and composition while experimenting with various materials. It’s also an excellent opportunity for preschoolers to express themselves in meaningful ways, building their confidence and self-esteem.
Exploring art through Christmas ornaments also encourages preschoolers to work together and collaborate on projects; This gives them real-time teamwork, cooperation, and communication training as they share ideas and resources to make a final product. Through this activity, preschoolers can also learn about the value of following directions, working towards a goal, and meeting deadlines — all of which are valuable life skills that will benefit them in the future. Additionally, preschoolers may get inspired by other cultures’ holiday traditions when making ornaments from around the world. Finally, it’s an excellent way for preschoolers to have fun during the festive season and create memories that will last long.
What Materials Will you Need to Get Started?
You’ll need basic craft materials to start a fun Christmas ornament-making activity with your preschoolers. You’ll want plenty of construction paper in different colors, glitter, and glue. Scissors are a must, as is some ribbon or string for hanging the ornaments. Consider adding embellishments such as sequins, feathers, pom-poms, and even buttons! You can use other materials like recycled cardboard or foam shapes if desired. If some of your students want to create something unique to them, like a gaming controller, you can help them make unique pieces.
The right tools will allow your preschoolers to explore their creativity and design unique ornaments they’ll be proud of. Depending on the season and availability of materials, you can bring in natural elements like pinecones and holly leaves for more festive decorations. You will need extra materials for this activity. Make sure to have a range of sizes available so each child can create multiple artwork pieces with different shapes and textures.
What Ideas For Projects Can your Preschoolers Create Using Christmas Ornaments?
While preschoolers may not be able to create intricate projects, they can still make beautiful and festive decorations with Christmas ornaments. Preschoolers can make wreaths, garlands, or even Christmas trees by gluing ornaments to cardboard. Adding a string to the top of the ornament can turn it into a lovely holiday necklace. Preschoolers can also get creative and glue embellishments onto picture frames, pencil holders, and other everyday household items. With some adult help, preschoolers can create unique and personal gifts for their friends and families using Christmas ornaments.
What Options Are there for Displaying their Artwork?
Taking the time to display preschoolers’ artwork is a great way to encourage and motivate their creativity. For example, framed art or simple shadow boxes can be used for larger pieces, while the smaller pieces can be attached to form a cork band aesthetic.
A creative approach for displaying preschoolers’ artwork could also involve mounting multiple drawings or paintings on a canvas frame. Taking it one step further, you can have the preschoolers create miniature gallery settings using cardstock and egg cartons- this allows each preschooler’s works to remain steady and upright within the small exhibit. No matter which method you choose, ensure that each preschooler’s work is given equal respect when it comes to showcasing their creative masterpieces, and if there is a challenge, make sure the winners are shown off respectfully.
Student Hires After-School Programs
Student Hires is empowering K-12 youth in local communities by providing them with meaningful and memorable expanded learning and hands-on learning experiences. With college students as leaders, disadvantaged children can explore their career goals and gain vital skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.Â
Even more, Student Hires’ activities allow students to apply knowledge from the classroom in a practical setting and obtain real-world experience. We also enable students to showcase their projects online and share them with other students.
Our programs are set apart from other options due to their relevance to youth’s lives, the ability to express their creativity through engaging projects, and the promotion of future success by increasing career readiness. These factors make Student Hires a valuable educational option for our community’s K-12 learners.
Conclusion
Making Christmas ornaments with your students is a great way to explore art together and have fun. The holidays should be about bringing people together and learning different experiences together. What holiday decorations have you made before? Let us know in the comments.