Crafty Concepts and Communication - Object Symbols for Spring Weather

Tangible Object Symbols for Spring Weather



Sun: I used a round tap light  for $1 from the Dollar Store (you have to add 3 AAA batteries) with bright yellow foam (99c) cut outs in the shape of a Sun. I felt it would stand out better on a dark background so mounted it on thick back foam core.
Child can push the sun on and off. If you have a battery interrupter, you could hook the Sun up to a switch and have the child turn it on and off that way.



Pair with song Mr. Sun 

Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Hiding behind a tree

These little children are asking you
To please come out so we can play with you
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9NE-9ub7qU 

Rain: I found some grey rain cloud looking yarn on clearance at Michael's. I also used sparkly bright blue paper (99c a sheet) to make the rain drops. 
I would pair this with a rain stick and have the child listen to the sound. For another sensory idea, use a misting spray bottle to make it gently "rain" so the child can feel it.

The Umbrella Song words

Down come the rain drops SPLASH, SPLASH, SPLASH! (stamp feet on the splashes)

Let’s run for cover, DASH, DASH, DASH!  (run on the spot)

Pitter patter, pitter patter, DRIP, DRIP, DROP! (clap hands in rhythm)

I’m under my umbrella till the raindrops STOP! (put up pretend umbrella)

 http://www.letsplaykidsmusic.com/the-umbrella-song-rainy-day-songs/

Windy: For this I used a pinwheel, again easy find this time of year at the dollar store or craft stores for $1.

If the child is able to blow on their own, have them blow to move the pinwheel. If they are unable to blow have a switch set up to a small fan and have them hit the switch (cause and effect). Attach ribbon to the fan to make is more visibly interesting. Put light things in front of the fan the children can blow and move by turning on the fan...leaves, bubbles?

 

http://www.preschoolexpress.com/theme-station12/wind-march.shtml 

Cloudy: This I made with the black foam core and cotton balls, again from the dollar store. (most of us have them lying around the house)

Have the children touch the clouds and talk about "soft".

 

Cloud songs:  http://preschoolexpress.com/music-station08/cloud-songs-rhymes-mar08.shtml
 
 

A "Homemade" Minecraft Birthday

 There is NO Minecraft party stuff anywhere. Someone could be making a fortune! When I asked for Minecraft stuff at the party store the guys said "Do you know how many times a day I get asked that?"  These are my "homemade" Minecraft gift bags for the guests. I just got bright green bags from Michael's Craft store and cut out the faces on  black paper myself and put them on. I could not find the right color at the dollar store but with a 40% coupon at Michael's, these were pretty cheap.

 I admit, I borrowed these ideas from Pinterest but they were good ones! And easy too. I got small candy bags from Michael's as well (with a coupon) and correlating ribbons and did up the candy bags. Red Licorice as "TNT". I also made the labels on my computer and just stuck them on the bags.

                                            Blueberry Jolly ranchers for "Diamond"

                                                Apple Jolly ranchers for "Emerald"

                                                            Rolo's for "Gold"
                              (Hershey's gold wrapped chocolates would be cute too)

                                          I got these lanyards on Amazon Found here
                                       They do not come with the plastic tag holders.
                                        You can get those anywhere like Staples etc.
                    I just made the name tags on the computer and put them in myself.

.

 My local Supermarket Bakery (Stop and Shop) will make a cake topper with anything you bring in printed on a sheet of paper so, I made a topper with what I wanted and had them make the cake.

 It was a chocolate cake and I requested the grass frosting so when it was cut, it looked just like a dirt block from Minecraft! The kids loved it.

              We had the party at a local Lazer Kraze (lazer tag place) and fun was had by all!
Even I played the lazer tag. I usually sit these things out but YOLO is my new motto and I'm glad I did. So much fun!