-gift wrap -scissors -tape -shipping packages -Christmas card supplies -red or green construction paper -markers -foam stickers of snowflakes -glitter -glue -garbage bags -masking tape
(Materials for modifiers) -Christmas cards
Modifiers/Scaffold
For an easier challenge: -Start with a pre-made Christmas card that they can color in.
For most children: -Give these children bows to decorate their gifts with.
For a trickier challenge: -Give these children string and bows to decorate their gifts with.
Follow-up Ideas
-Once their cards are wrapped, you could continue this activity by trying to figure out what other things they could wrap- cars, blocks, stuffed animals, ect. Watch them figure out how to wrap these object and make their "presents" beautiful!
-Let the children decorate their own wrapping paper too. Instead of using wrapping paper, use butcher's paper that the children can decorate with the same materials they made their Christmas cards with.
Originating Idea
I like implementing activities that draw from current events and holidays. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, and I love decorating my room in Christmas paraphernalia!
How to Make It
You wrap the tables in garbage bags and tape them down using the masking tape. Then, place the materials for the Christmas cards on the table. Keep the materials for wrapping the packages off to the side and pull them out later.
How to Implement It
During circle time, tell the children "Today we are going to make pretty Christmas cards for our moms and dads! Miss Tara and I have all the materials you need to make your cards, including markers and stickers and glitter! Let's go to the table and get started!" All the children will then sit down and make their cards with the materials that are out. Once all the children are done making their cards, set them down to dry, and then have the children wash their hands before starting free choice. Then, once afternoon snack time is over and the table is cleaned up, pull out the cards again and have the children sit at the tables. Ask the children, "Do you remember the Christmas cards we made earlier? Now we're going to wrap them up like presents and give them to our moms and dads!" Then, pull out the gift wrapping materials and have the children place their cards in a box. Tape the box shut before letting the children wrap the gifts.
Most children should be able to wrap the boxes and tape them wrapping paper to the box. While later children will be able to accomplish this task easily, some of the earlier children will take more time.
Once most of the children are done, have the children put their presents in their cubbies and choose an activity for free choice. If the children want to continue decorating their gifts, let them do so. After all the presents are completed, take the garbage bags on the table, wrap up all the trash in it, and throw it all into another garbage bag and throw it away.