Spend "together time" as a family. Celebrate this very special
relationship by using a variety of activities that focus on the family theme. Take
this theme into reading, writing, speaking, music, and art.
My Family Quilt
There
is nothing cozier than a quilt. They feel like home. Begin this lesson by
reading The Patchwork Quilt by
Valerie Flournoy and discuss the importance of family and what family means to
each child. Talk about the making of quilts and how you can incorporate family
heirlooms and memories inside this stitched piece of art.
Why
not try an art project involving quilts? Cut out squares of pastel-colored
paper. Invite the kids to draw and color a quilt block for each member of the
family including pets. Draw the person and surround the headshot with things
they love. Now, if you have an odd number of family members, just have the
child create an extra quilt block (or two) with some of his/her favorite
things. When all blocks are done, glue them together onto a sheet of poster
board. Next, take a black marker and create stitch marks around each quilt block
to replicate the real stitching on a quilt – a work of art that has spanned
generations.
Family Fun and Laughs
For
this themed activity, read the book The
Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. It’s a fun pairing of words and pictures
that capture the energy and love that flows from a family reunion. After
reading the story together, take time to share memories of family experiences.
For
a project, have the kids think of a specific family gathering. At the top of the page of paper, write
the event in a large circle. Next, branch down to the next level and add all
the family members who attended. The third row holds circles for things that
happened during the event. The
last row of circles includes thoughts of how the children felt during this
family gathering. This “graphic
organizer” project helps kids to express how they feel about their family, the
events, and even tips for future family gatherings. This organizer design is
almost like an outline for when students are asked to write a story.
CONTINUE READING... (a Bright Hub Education article by Tania Cowling)
Books available on Amazon -- Click to Purchase
The Relatives Came
The Patchwork Quilt
Family is always a good theme to engage children in discussion and activities. Children learn through books and art -- get them involved today.
Happy Parenting,
Tania :)
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