Now that it is December we have shifted or daily learning time from our Fall Preschool Projects to Christmas projects. I started our Christmas projects with a Count-down to Christmas Paper Chain. We made a decorative fall paper chain that Jude loved so I thought we needed a Christmas chain.
What I love about the Count-Down to Christmas Paper Chain is that it offers many valuable teaching moments.
1. Color Recognition – I’ve been teaching colors to Jude and I am beginning to see my efforts pay off. We used RED and GREEN construction paper both of which he very easily identified.
2. Pattern Learning – I started our chain with an alternating RED and GREEN pattern then let Jude take over. He picked up on the pattern immediately and made sure to keep it going.
3. Dexterity – After I showed Jude how to loop the paper links together he was very intent on doing it himself. I enjoyed watching him skillfully feed each paper through the loop.
4. Counting and Number Recognition – After we assembled our chain we counted the loops and wrote the corresponding number on each loop. Jude has been able to count to 20 for a while but we ventured up to 26 and he did pretty well.
5. Time and Waiting – Each day we will break a link off of the chain until we have counted down to Christmas morning. Before I had kids I never though about having to teach someone the concept of “tomorrow” or “waiting” but kids don’t immediately understand waiting or the idea of a day. I hoping this will give Jude a little better handle on the concept of time.
It’s amazing how one simple project can teach so many different skills to a child.
MAKE IT
Make your own Count-Down to Christmas Paper Chain
Supplies:
Construction Paper – I used Red and Green
Scissors
Tape
Marker
Instructions:
Step 1 – Cut the paper into 1 inch strips (approximate – I just eyeball it)
Step 2 – Make a circle with the paper and tape the ends together.
Step 3 – Loop the next piece of paper through the 1st link and tape ends together.
Step 4 – Continue looping paper through and add tape to ends until chain is complete
Step 5 – Count out loud number of link on the chain.
Step 6 – Write the corresponding numbers on each link. (You can do this before the chain is assembled to make it easier to write.)
Step 7 – Hang up your chain and start counting down till Christmas.
Each day until Christmas break off 1 link in the chain.
Jessica is an experienced NC-based travel agent who specializes in family travel. She helps families plan memorable trips to Disney, Universal, All-Inclusive Resorts, Cruises, and International trips. She is responsible for B Honest Media’s editorial direction and growth. She has covered parenting for over 13 years, focusing on product reviews and recommendations, travel, and parenting tips.
Use this Preschool Thanksgiving Worksheet to practice the concepts of big, bigger, and biggest. Identify the biggest object in this printable math worksheet. This big and small worksheet is appropriate for preschool or young kindergarten students. More Thanksgiving Worksheets PinShare
This past week I started doing hands-on learning sessions with Jude. During Noah’s morning nap we spend 30 min- 1 hour exploring and learning. Jude is a very smart and curious little boy which often leads to him getting in trouble. So I thought I could transfer his curiosity into positive learning and so far…
This holiday season I’ve really been focusing on teaching Jude what it means to give. We’ve participated in a few charitable acts as a family and I’m proud to say that Jude has really developed a giving spirit. So much so that at Christmas he wanted to keep giving people presents even after all of…
PRESENTS FOR THE CHILDREN! A new hat for Lilly!Yo Gabba Gabba Foofa Doll for Jude! Something Awesome for Cade! A Hot Wheels Car for Dalton! Braelyn’s not showing Dalton what she got! A coloring book for Kendall! Gavin loves his new pants! Ella is excited about her new book! PinShare
Teaching Jude the real meaning of Christmas is very important to me. Every night before bed Jude and I read a few books, most of them a short books for toddlers. I was really excited to read “Little Star” by Anthony DeStefano because it’s such a great story but I was concerned he wouldn’t sit…
Jude loves to play with my iPhone but he’s only allowed to play with it on special occasions so I try to make it a big deal. I love that there are so many educational games for kids available on the iPhone. Companies like Infantino realize the need for fun and educational games created specifically…
You must be logged in to post a comment.