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If you’re like our family, you’re looking far and wide for new and engaging ways to beat the stuck-at-home quarantine or wintertime blues. In warmer months, we love to spend time exploring and enjoying the great outdoors, so we decided to bring our favorite parts of summer recreation right into our living room by constructing an indoor campsite!
While our toddler (27 months) napped, we ‘pitched’ our campsite so we could surprise her and jump right into the imaginary play when she woke. To really make it feel special and cozy (an unofficial requirement during these long, isolating, and chilly winter months), we decided to set up our half-dome tent in front of the couch and fill it with ‘sleeping bag’ blankets, pillows, and woodland stuffed animals. Of course, a tent isn’t necessary, but throwing a blanket over some chairs and couch cushions works just as well to get that cozy campsite vibe -- perfect for snuggling and sharing stories after more active play!
To support our toddler’s fine motor skills, tactile imaginary play, and language development, we then laid out the Learning Resources New Sprouts “Camp Out!” set in front of our tent. This kit includes an adorable and durable array of tiny camping gear, including a duffle bag, glow-in-the-dark lantern, s'mores supplies, roasting fork, hot dog, and a miniature pretend campfire.
Our toddler loved exploring this set, many elements of which she had no previous exposure to in real life. She was excited to discover the name and purpose of each item -- especially the squishy marshmallow! Bonus: stacking the s’more ingredients and lining up the hot dog to attach to her roasting fork all required patience, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination.
After pretending our way through a delicious campfire-cooked meal (complete with a discussion about taking turns and using descriptive language to convey how ‘melty,’ ‘sticky,’ ‘sweet,’ and hot or warm various elements were after ‘roasting’ them on the pretend flame), we paired our play with some books from our home and public library to support and deepen her learning. Depending on the age of your child(ren), we recommend titles like Flashlight by Lizi Boyd (picture book), TheNight World by Mordicai Gerstein (picture book), Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan (board book), and Crinkle Crinkle Little Star by Justin Krasner (board book).
What campout is complete without some stargazing? Enter the Learning Resources Primary Science Shining Stars Projector. Our little astronomer is captivated by all things space-related, so this addition to our indoor campsite was a big hit and paired well with our book on constellations. Next time we play campout, I think we’ll extend our play with the Stars Projector by using an empty paper towel roll as an imaginary telescope!
Looking to adapt or extend your own cabin-fever campout even further? Interested in including older siblings in the learning and fun? Here are some ideas to complement these products:
Art & Creativity: After indoor ‘stargazing,’ design your own constellations (and any stories behind them). We like to use simple star stickers and white chalk on black construction paper.
Sensory & Language Development: Use a free phone app to play nature sounds and set the mood. Lay in your ‘tent’ or on your blankets, listen quietly and identify what you’re hearing. Describe each sound and discuss how they make each of you feel. (For instance, are the rain sounds calming? Do the crackling fire sounds make you feel warm or hungry?)
Gross Motor & Imaginary Play: Grab a ‘walking stick’ and go for a hike through your living space. Have your child follow a ‘trail’ and describe the terrain. Ask: What imaginary plants or animals are you seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling during our hike?
Social & Language Development: Sing or make up campfire songs together. Have older children/siblings make up or share their own campfire stories.
Fine Motor & Imaginary Play: Darken the room, set up a flashlight to point at a wall, and use hand or finger puppets to tell stories.
Gross Motor & Imaginary Play: Play charades or ‘guess who,’ acting out animals/wildlife you might come across on your campout.
Art & Creativity: Break out the coloring utensils and design your own camping badges to earn or share.
Sensory & Language Development: Source some small items from the outdoors (stones, feathers, pinecones, acorns, leaves, or sticks, etc.) and safely explore and examine them in the Learning Resources Primary Science Sensory Tubes.
Language Development: Get out a map and plan your next real campout, hike, or other outdoor adventure together, whether it’s at your local park, forest preserve, state, or national park. Ask your child: What activities will you do? What supplies or snacks will you need? (Let’s be honest -- we all need something to look forward to!)
Based on the joy experienced by our own very happy camper, the Stars Projector and the Camp Out set will result in long-lasting, repeated play sessions in the coming months and years!
If you’re like our family, you’re looking far and wide for new and engaging ways to beat the stuck-at-home quarantine or wintertime blues. In warmer months, we love to spend time exploring and enjoying the great outdoors, so we decided to bring our favorite parts of summer recreation right into our living room by constructing an indoor campsite!
While our toddler (27 months) napped, we ‘pitched’ our campsite so we could surprise her and jump right into the imaginary play when she woke. To really make it feel special and cozy (an unofficial requirement during these long, isolating, and chilly winter months), we decided to set up our half-dome tent in front of the couch and fill it with ‘sleeping bag’ blankets, pillows, and woodland stuffed animals. Of course, a tent isn’t necessary, but throwing a blanket over some chairs and couch cushions works just as well to get that cozy campsite vibe -- perfect for snuggling and sharing stories after more active play!
To support our toddler’s fine motor skills, tactile imaginary play, and language development, we then laid out the Learning Resources New Sprouts “Camp Out!” set in front of our tent. This kit includes an adorable and durable array of tiny camping gear, including a duffle bag, glow-in-the-dark lantern, s'mores supplies, roasting fork, hot dog, and a miniature pretend campfire.
Our toddler loved exploring this set, many elements of which she had no previous exposure to in real life. She was excited to discover the name and purpose of each item -- especially the squishy marshmallow! Bonus: stacking the s’more ingredients and lining up the hot dog to attach to her roasting fork all required patience, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination.
After pretending our way through a delicious campfire-cooked meal (complete with a discussion about taking turns and using descriptive language to convey how ‘melty,’ ‘sticky,’ ‘sweet,’ and hot or warm various elements were after ‘roasting’ them on the pretend flame), we paired our play with some books from our home and public library to support and deepen her learning. Depending on the age of your child(ren), we recommend titles like Flashlight by Lizi Boyd (picture book), TheNight World by Mordicai Gerstein (picture book), Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan (board book), and Crinkle Crinkle Little Star by Justin Krasner (board book).
What campout is complete without some stargazing? Enter the Learning Resources Primary Science Shining Stars Projector. Our little astronomer is captivated by all things space-related, so this addition to our indoor campsite was a big hit and paired well with our book on constellations. Next time we play campout, I think we’ll extend our play with the Stars Projector by using an empty paper towel roll as an imaginary telescope!
Looking to adapt or extend your own cabin-fever campout even further? Interested in including older siblings in the learning and fun? Here are some ideas to complement these products:
Art & Creativity: After indoor ‘stargazing,’ design your own constellations (and any stories behind them). We like to use simple star stickers and white chalk on black construction paper.
Sensory & Language Development: Use a free phone app to play nature sounds and set the mood. Lay in your ‘tent’ or on your blankets, listen quietly and identify what you’re hearing. Describe each sound and discuss how they make each of you feel. (For instance, are the rain sounds calming? Do the crackling fire sounds make you feel warm or hungry?)
Gross Motor & Imaginary Play: Grab a ‘walking stick’ and go for a hike through your living space. Have your child follow a ‘trail’ and describe the terrain. Ask: What imaginary plants or animals are you seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling during our hike?
Social & Language Development: Sing or make up campfire songs together. Have older children/siblings make up or share their own campfire stories.
Fine Motor & Imaginary Play: Darken the room, set up a flashlight to point at a wall, and use hand or finger puppets to tell stories.
Gross Motor & Imaginary Play: Play charades or ‘guess who,’ acting out animals/wildlife you might come across on your campout.
Art & Creativity: Break out the coloring utensils and design your own camping badges to earn or share.
Sensory & Language Development: Source some small items from the outdoors (stones, feathers, pinecones, acorns, leaves, or sticks, etc.) and safely explore and examine them in the Learning Resources Primary Science Sensory Tubes.
Language Development: Get out a map and plan your next real campout, hike, or other outdoor adventure together, whether it’s at your local park, forest preserve, state, or national park. Ask your child: What activities will you do? What supplies or snacks will you need? (Let’s be honest -- we all need something to look forward to!)
Based on the joy experienced by our own very happy camper, the Stars Projector and the Camp Out set will result in long-lasting, repeated play sessions in the coming months and years!
Slip in some learning ABC games this National Cupcake Day with ABC Party Cupcake Toppers from Learning Resources! This sweet, award-winning set includes six colorful pretend play cupcakes with slots on top and storage inside, 26 double-sided letter toppers, and 26 picture toppers for some delicious learning and fun! Designed to guide your sweet-toothed sweetie from letter names and sounds to simple spelling, there are so many ways to play, like:
1. Learn Your Letters
Place a series of letters (experts recommend teaching S, A, T, I, P, and N first) on the cupcakes and ask your child to find a specific letter. Give them a broad hint, if need be, by telling them whether that cupcake has chocolate or vanilla frosting, or give a more particular hint by sharing the color of the frosting with that letter on top.
2. Learn Letter Sounds
Place a picture topper inside a cupcake and slot the letter topper with the first letter of that word on top. Ask your child to identify the letter, then ask what sound it makes. Pop the cupcake open to see the object starting with that sound. Or switch it up by placing the picture topper on top and asking what letter or sound it starts with.
3. Spell It
Several of the picture toppers feature objects spelled with just three letters. Choose one of these simple, sound-it-out words, and place it inside the cupcake. Then use the letter toppers to spell the word on top of the cupcake. Help your child sound it out, then open the cupcake to check their work!
4. Alpha Order
Place the toppers with the first six letters in the alphabet on top of the cupcakes and shuffle them around. Ask your child to put them alphabetically, singing the Alphabet Song for support. Continue with the rest of the alphabet, then pick letters at random for an extra sticky challenge.
After practicing with the ABC Party Cupcake Toppers, surprise your sweetie with an actual cupcake-making session! Cupcakes make the perfect Valentine’s Day treat, and your kids can help this year because we’re sharing some of our favorite, kid-friendly cupcake ideas to make together on February 14. Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled…
Mix! Start with vanilla frosting (homemade or store-bought), drip a few drops of food coloring, and let your little one mix it up. Dip! Once your cupcakes are cool and frosted, let your kids dip them into bowls of sprinkles and candy hearts. Top! Kids can randomly place Valentine’s candies on top of the cupcakes or make patterns like Xs, Os, and hearts. Make a Monster! Make a mushy Valentine’s monster cupcake using marshmallows or M&Ms for eyes and pretzel sticks for antennae. And don’t forget to practice! Practice your letters while you bake by asking your child what letter makes the sound “mmm” like a monster or “Kuh” like a cupcake! Learning Resources’ ABC Party Cupcake Toppers make the perfect Valentine’s surprise for your sweetie – place your order today!
Slip in some learning ABC games this National Cupcake Day with ABC Party Cupcake Toppers from Learning Resources! This sweet, award-winning set includes six colorful pretend play cupcakes with slots on top and storage inside, 26 double-sided letter toppers, and 26 picture toppers for some delicious learning and fun! Designed to guide your sweet-toothed sweetie from letter names and sounds to simple spelling, there are so many ways to play, like:
1. Learn Your Letters
Place a series of letters (experts recommend teaching S, A, T, I, P, and N first) on the cupcakes and ask your child to find a specific letter. Give them a broad hint, if need be, by telling them whether that cupcake has chocolate or vanilla frosting, or give a more particular hint by sharing the color of the frosting with that letter on top.
2. Learn Letter Sounds
Place a picture topper inside a cupcake and slot the letter topper with the first letter of that word on top. Ask your child to identify the letter, then ask what sound it makes. Pop the cupcake open to see the object starting with that sound. Or switch it up by placing the picture topper on top and asking what letter or sound it starts with.
3. Spell It
Several of the picture toppers feature objects spelled with just three letters. Choose one of these simple, sound-it-out words, and place it inside the cupcake. Then use the letter toppers to spell the word on top of the cupcake. Help your child sound it out, then open the cupcake to check their work!
4. Alpha Order
Place the toppers with the first six letters in the alphabet on top of the cupcakes and shuffle them around. Ask your child to put them alphabetically, singing the Alphabet Song for support. Continue with the rest of the alphabet, then pick letters at random for an extra sticky challenge.
After practicing with the ABC Party Cupcake Toppers, surprise your sweetie with an actual cupcake-making session! Cupcakes make the perfect Valentine’s Day treat, and your kids can help this year because we’re sharing some of our favorite, kid-friendly cupcake ideas to make together on February 14. Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled…
Mix! Start with vanilla frosting (homemade or store-bought), drip a few drops of food coloring, and let your little one mix it up. Dip! Once your cupcakes are cool and frosted, let your kids dip them into bowls of sprinkles and candy hearts. Top! Kids can randomly place Valentine’s candies on top of the cupcakes or make patterns like Xs, Os, and hearts. Make a Monster! Make a mushy Valentine’s monster cupcake using marshmallows or M&Ms for eyes and pretzel sticks for antennae. And don’t forget to practice! Practice your letters while you bake by asking your child what letter makes the sound “mmm” like a monster or “Kuh” like a cupcake! Learning Resources’ ABC Party Cupcake Toppers make the perfect Valentine’s surprise for your sweetie – place your order today!
April showers bring May flowers, butterflies, and birds! Marble your May with this fun and easy springtime craft, perfect for a breezy afternoon inside!
What You'll Need
Shaving cream
Food coloring (several colors)
Baking dish or cookie sheet with sides
White paper plates (non-coated)
Butter knife
Scissors
Paper towels
Hole punch
Yarn or twine
Clothes hanger
What You’ll Do - Marbling
The first step in this springtime craft is to create your “marbled” crafting surface:
Cover your baking dish or cookie sheet with a thin layer of shaving cream (your kids will love this part!)
Choose a few coordinating colors of food coloring and drizzle drops randomly across the shaving cream.
Use your butter knife to “pull” and “swirl” the color through the cream (don’t mix it – pull it around).
Place a paper plate flat onto the marbled shaving cream and press slightly without sliding the plate up or down.
Then, pull the plate straight up and out of the cream.
Set the dyed plate on a sheet of paper towel and use your butter knife to scrape the shaving cream off the top, revealing a beautiful, marbled pattern underneath!
Repeat until you have several marbled plates—add new shaving cream colors until the paint looks muddied. Then dump your old foam and start fresh with a new layer of shaving cream and marbled color between plates.
Allow a few minutes to dry, then marble the back sides of each plate. Press your white side-down plates into the foam, lift straight up, and scrape the excess foam away.
What You’ll Do – Make a Mobile
Now that your plates are marbled, decide what kind of springtime symbols you’d like to design. Maybe a butterfly or raindrop, a bird’s egg, or a rain cloud? Then:
Cut your plate into the desired shape.
Cut your plate in half for a butterfly, then cut a notch out of the center of each plate and tape or staple them together.
For a rain cloud, cut a circular shape with bumpy edges.
The shamrock cut a stem with four oval leaves.
Punch a hole in the top of each design.
Cut a 4” piece of yarn for each plate, string it through the hole, place the string on either side of the clothes hanger rod, and tie a knot at the top of the string.
April showers bring May flowers, butterflies, and birds! Marble your May with this fun and easy springtime craft, perfect for a breezy afternoon inside!
What You'll Need
Shaving cream
Food coloring (several colors)
Baking dish or cookie sheet with sides
White paper plates (non-coated)
Butter knife
Scissors
Paper towels
Hole punch
Yarn or twine
Clothes hanger
What You’ll Do - Marbling
The first step in this springtime craft is to create your “marbled” crafting surface:
Cover your baking dish or cookie sheet with a thin layer of shaving cream (your kids will love this part!)
Choose a few coordinating colors of food coloring and drizzle drops randomly across the shaving cream.
Use your butter knife to “pull” and “swirl” the color through the cream (don’t mix it – pull it around).
Place a paper plate flat onto the marbled shaving cream and press slightly without sliding the plate up or down.
Then, pull the plate straight up and out of the cream.
Set the dyed plate on a sheet of paper towel and use your butter knife to scrape the shaving cream off the top, revealing a beautiful, marbled pattern underneath!
Repeat until you have several marbled plates—add new shaving cream colors until the paint looks muddied. Then dump your old foam and start fresh with a new layer of shaving cream and marbled color between plates.
Allow a few minutes to dry, then marble the back sides of each plate. Press your white side-down plates into the foam, lift straight up, and scrape the excess foam away.
What You’ll Do – Make a Mobile
Now that your plates are marbled, decide what kind of springtime symbols you’d like to design. Maybe a butterfly or raindrop, a bird’s egg, or a rain cloud? Then:
Cut your plate into the desired shape.
Cut your plate in half for a butterfly, then cut a notch out of the center of each plate and tape or staple them together.
For a rain cloud, cut a circular shape with bumpy edges.
The shamrock cut a stem with four oval leaves.
Punch a hole in the top of each design.
Cut a 4” piece of yarn for each plate, string it through the hole, place the string on either side of the clothes hanger rod, and tie a knot at the top of the string.
Love is a balance! Armed with conversation hearts, mini marshmallows, Snap Cubes, water, and an inquisitive four-year-old, we set out this Valentine’s Day to explore all the mathematical concepts the Learning Resources Primary Bucket Balance has to offer.
Right out of the box, our little scientist instinctively began to fill the buckets on either side of the balance with the candy. But before we started our challenges, we first had to go over the most important element of the balance: the arrow!
The arrow in the middle is crucial for understanding any of the upcoming challenges. When this arrow is pointed directly to its middle, the scale is in equilibrium. In kid terms, please? Make sure the arrow points to the other arrow for balance!
Let the challenges begin!
CHALLENGE #1 – Are all marshmallows created even?
Skills used:
Sorting
Counting
Estimation
Our little scientist decided to start with marshmallows. She counted out five for each bucket and checked the arrow.
Much to her surprise, five marshmallows on each side did not equilibrium make. Adding just one more made the arrows in the middle meet up. Balance! Challenge #1 Scientific Finding: Even though the marshmallows look the same, they are all not the same weight.
CHALLENGE #2 – Which candy weighs more?
Skills Used:
Estimation
Counting
Next, we wanted to explore which Valentine's candy would weigh more – the marshmallows or the conversation hearts? The guess was for the seemingly heavier conversation hearts.
Five of each were counted out and placed in the buckets. An “arrow check” produced the result: the marshmallow hearts were surprisingly more! Challenge #2 Scientific Findings: Do not decide what weighs more based on looks alone!
CHALLENGE #3 – Does the color of the candy make a difference?
Skills used:
Color sorting
Estimation
Our little scientist seems to think the color of the conversation hearts will make a difference in their weight. There was only one way to find out! She decided that the purple hearts would be the heaviest, and the yellow the lightest. She counted out five of each.
Challenge #3 Scientific Findings: The color of the conversation hearts did not make a difference. (Also – unproven – purple was more delicious than yellow).
CHALLENGE #4 – What is heavier? Water or Candy?
Skills used:
Volume concepts
Estimation
Patience
Here, we wanted to test which form of matter would be heavier. Would the water take up as much space as the candy within the bucket? How much would we have to add to achieve balance?
Challenge #4 Scientific Findings: Not as much liquid was needed as originally thought. It was observed that this was the first time our little scientist understood the “little by little “concept. Adding too much too fast would make the balance tip too far. To achieve balance, this experiment took time and patience.
CHALLENGE #5 – Snap Cubes vs. candy? How many does it take of each to balance?
Skills used:
Counting
Estimation
Here, a handful of Snap Cubes were thrown on one side, and a handful of marshmallows thrown on the other. We wanted to see if we could make them even on sight alone.
After we checked our arrow, we counted the contents of each bucket.
Snap Cubes – 29
Marshmallows – 25
We estimated again with the Snap Cubes, this time versus the conversation hearts.
Snap Cubes – 27
Conversation hearts – 38
Challenge #5 Scientific Findings: Our scientist thought the plastic Snap Cubes would be the clear winner for more weight because they were so much bigger. We found that more Snap Cubes were needed than marshmallows, but fewer were needed when up against the conversation hearts.
Love is a balance! Armed with conversation hearts, mini marshmallows, Snap Cubes, water, and an inquisitive four-year-old, we set out this Valentine’s Day to explore all the mathematical concepts the Learning Resources Primary Bucket Balance has to offer.
Right out of the box, our little scientist instinctively began to fill the buckets on either side of the balance with the candy. But before we started our challenges, we first had to go over the most important element of the balance: the arrow!
The arrow in the middle is crucial for understanding any of the upcoming challenges. When this arrow is pointed directly to its middle, the scale is in equilibrium. In kid terms, please? Make sure the arrow points to the other arrow for balance!
Let the challenges begin!
CHALLENGE #1 – Are all marshmallows created even?
Skills used:
Sorting
Counting
Estimation
Our little scientist decided to start with marshmallows. She counted out five for each bucket and checked the arrow.
Much to her surprise, five marshmallows on each side did not equilibrium make. Adding just one more made the arrows in the middle meet up. Balance! Challenge #1 Scientific Finding: Even though the marshmallows look the same, they are all not the same weight.
CHALLENGE #2 – Which candy weighs more?
Skills Used:
Estimation
Counting
Next, we wanted to explore which Valentine's candy would weigh more – the marshmallows or the conversation hearts? The guess was for the seemingly heavier conversation hearts.
Five of each were counted out and placed in the buckets. An “arrow check” produced the result: the marshmallow hearts were surprisingly more! Challenge #2 Scientific Findings: Do not decide what weighs more based on looks alone!
CHALLENGE #3 – Does the color of the candy make a difference?
Skills used:
Color sorting
Estimation
Our little scientist seems to think the color of the conversation hearts will make a difference in their weight. There was only one way to find out! She decided that the purple hearts would be the heaviest, and the yellow the lightest. She counted out five of each.
Challenge #3 Scientific Findings: The color of the conversation hearts did not make a difference. (Also – unproven – purple was more delicious than yellow).
CHALLENGE #4 – What is heavier? Water or Candy?
Skills used:
Volume concepts
Estimation
Patience
Here, we wanted to test which form of matter would be heavier. Would the water take up as much space as the candy within the bucket? How much would we have to add to achieve balance?
Challenge #4 Scientific Findings: Not as much liquid was needed as originally thought. It was observed that this was the first time our little scientist understood the “little by little “concept. Adding too much too fast would make the balance tip too far. To achieve balance, this experiment took time and patience.
CHALLENGE #5 – Snap Cubes vs. candy? How many does it take of each to balance?
Skills used:
Counting
Estimation
Here, a handful of Snap Cubes were thrown on one side, and a handful of marshmallows thrown on the other. We wanted to see if we could make them even on sight alone.
After we checked our arrow, we counted the contents of each bucket.
Snap Cubes – 29
Marshmallows – 25
We estimated again with the Snap Cubes, this time versus the conversation hearts.
Snap Cubes – 27
Conversation hearts – 38
Challenge #5 Scientific Findings: Our scientist thought the plastic Snap Cubes would be the clear winner for more weight because they were so much bigger. We found that more Snap Cubes were needed than marshmallows, but fewer were needed when up against the conversation hearts.
Full of bright colors and loud noises, the Chinese New Year begins on February 1 this year (the date of the celebration changes year to year because Chinese New Year starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice). In ancient times the festival was an effort by villagers to scare away a mythical wild beast named Nien with bright lights and big noises. Nowadays, Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide with family dinners, thorough house cleaning, fireworks, and parades. Your family can enjoy the festivities with three cool crafts perfect for ringing in the Chinese New Year!
Paper Plate Chinese Dragon
The dragon is a symbol of China, thought to bring good luck. The dragon dance is a typical part of most Chinese New Year celebrations, and it is believed that the longer the dragon dances, the more luck he brings! Make a bit of your luck with this DIY Chinese Dragon project!
Materials
Paper plate
Red paint
Yellow construction paper
index cards or card stock paper
Markers
Scissors
Tape or glue craft sticks
1. Paint your paper plate red.
2. While drying, draw a dragon head on one index card and a tail on another. You can find many templates and inspiration online if you’re not a master artist. Color your dragon with vibrant-colored markers or crayons.
3. Cut the head and tail out and glue or tape each to the top of a craft stick. Packing tape works well.
4. Cut a piece of yellow construction paper, roughly 1” x 4”, accordion and fold it—tape one end to your dragon’s head and the other to its tail.
5. Use a knife to carefully slice the bottom of the center of the plate and insert your craft sticks into the opening.
Construction Paper Chinese Lantern
Chinese New Year lasts two weeks and culminates with The Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival is celebrated near the beginning of springtime when it’s finally warm enough for people to go outside at night. People everywhere head out of doors, carrying lanterns, often red which symbolizes hope, to light their way. Follow the instructions below to create your Chinese Lanterns!
Materials
Red construction paper
Scissors
Stapler or tape
1. Fold your sheet of construction paper in half, longways, pressing to make a heavy crease at the fold.
2. Cut through the folded edge of the paper, stopping about a ½” from the other side. Continue cutting until you read the other side.
3. Unfold the paper and tape or staple the two edges together to form a tube.
4. Add a handle made of a strip of construction paper and embellish your lantern with fringe, ribbon, and stickers. Tape or staple a tube of paper in another color to the inside of your lantern to create a “hurricane” style, or add a bit of fringed paper to the bottom edge.
Full of bright colors and loud noises, the Chinese New Year begins on February 1 this year (the date of the celebration changes year to year because Chinese New Year starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice). In ancient times the festival was an effort by villagers to scare away a mythical wild beast named Nien with bright lights and big noises. Nowadays, Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide with family dinners, thorough house cleaning, fireworks, and parades. Your family can enjoy the festivities with three cool crafts perfect for ringing in the Chinese New Year!
Paper Plate Chinese Dragon
The dragon is a symbol of China, thought to bring good luck. The dragon dance is a typical part of most Chinese New Year celebrations, and it is believed that the longer the dragon dances, the more luck he brings! Make a bit of your luck with this DIY Chinese Dragon project!
Materials
Paper plate
Red paint
Yellow construction paper
index cards or card stock paper
Markers
Scissors
Tape or glue craft sticks
1. Paint your paper plate red.
2. While drying, draw a dragon head on one index card and a tail on another. You can find many templates and inspiration online if you’re not a master artist. Color your dragon with vibrant-colored markers or crayons.
3. Cut the head and tail out and glue or tape each to the top of a craft stick. Packing tape works well.
4. Cut a piece of yellow construction paper, roughly 1” x 4”, accordion and fold it—tape one end to your dragon’s head and the other to its tail.
5. Use a knife to carefully slice the bottom of the center of the plate and insert your craft sticks into the opening.
Construction Paper Chinese Lantern
Chinese New Year lasts two weeks and culminates with The Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival is celebrated near the beginning of springtime when it’s finally warm enough for people to go outside at night. People everywhere head out of doors, carrying lanterns, often red which symbolizes hope, to light their way. Follow the instructions below to create your Chinese Lanterns!
Materials
Red construction paper
Scissors
Stapler or tape
1. Fold your sheet of construction paper in half, longways, pressing to make a heavy crease at the fold.
2. Cut through the folded edge of the paper, stopping about a ½” from the other side. Continue cutting until you read the other side.
3. Unfold the paper and tape or staple the two edges together to form a tube.
4. Add a handle made of a strip of construction paper and embellish your lantern with fringe, ribbon, and stickers. Tape or staple a tube of paper in another color to the inside of your lantern to create a “hurricane” style, or add a bit of fringed paper to the bottom edge.
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Right out of the box, our little scientist instinctively began to fill the buckets on either side of the balance with the candy. But before we started our challenges, we first had to go over the most important element of the balance: the arrow!
The arrow in the middle is crucial for understanding any of the upcoming challenges. When this arrow is pointed directly to its middle, the scale is in equilibrium. In kid terms, please? Make sure the arrow points to the other arrow for balance!
Much to her surprise, five marshmallows on each side did not equilibrium make. Adding just one more made the arrows in the middle meet up. Balance! Challenge #1 Scientific Finding: Even though the marshmallows look the same, they are all not the same weight.
Five of each were counted out and placed in the buckets. An “arrow check” produced the result: the marshmallow hearts were surprisingly more! Challenge #2 Scientific Findings: Do not decide what weighs more based on looks alone!
Challenge #3 Scientific Findings: The color of the conversation hearts did not make a difference. (Also – unproven – purple was more delicious than yellow).
Challenge #4 Scientific Findings: Not as much liquid was needed as originally thought. It was observed that this was the first time our little scientist understood the “little by little “concept. Adding too much too fast would make the balance tip too far. To achieve balance, this experiment took time and patience.
After we checked our arrow, we counted the contents of each bucket.
