Ideas Gone Wild Holiday Edition

Written & Compiled by Mark Jones Edited by Amy Adams

For book orders/ information: www.mrmarksclassroom.com

ISBN 978-0-9899416-2-4  2014 Mark Jones

Manufactured in the U.S.A.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any retrieval system, without the prior written permis- sion of the author.

Mr. Mark’s Classroom 2301 Squirrel Place Tuttle, OK 73089 Winter Holidays

Winter Valentine’s Day

Writers & Contributors: Mark Jones Gina McKean Gracie Jones Susan O’Dell

www.mrmarksclassroom.com Winter Snowman Face Ornaments

A fun snowman craft that kids and adults will enjoy.

 Clear glass ornaments or white ornaments  Artificial snow flakes  Sharpies or paint pens, fabric paint  Small rubber bands  Toddler socks

1. If using the clear ornaments, remove the top and add artificial snow flakes. 2. Cut the toe portion of the toddler sock off . . . about 1”. 3. Slip the sock over the top of the ornament to create a “winter hat” and secure with a rubber band around the top of the ornament. 4. Use glue dots on the lower portion of the hat to secure. 5. Use sharpies or paint pens to create a face. 6. Use fabric paint to write the child’s name on the “winter hat”.

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever. Isaiah 40:8 SOCKman Door Stop

Create a festive and functional door stop!

 Men’s tube socks  Markers  Aquarium gravel or sand in baggies  Craft glue, glue dots, and rubber bands  Quilt batting and brown chenille stems  Ribbon, small buttons, and scissors  Black sample cups & google eyes

1. Each child will need one tube sock, a sandwich bag of gravel or sand, three rubber bands, chenille stem pieces to create arms, google eyes, buttons, a sample cup and a piece of ribbon for a scarf. 2. Place the gravel or sand (keep in the baggie) in the bottom of the sock and shape into a ball. Add a rubber band and fill the next section with batting. Form a circle and add a rubber band. For the top section, add batting and seal with a rubber band. 3. Use glue dots or craft glue to add eyes, buttons, arms, scarf and hat.

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the LORD and not for men. Colossians 3:23 Winter Snowman Name Plate

A fun snowman craft that kids and adults will enjoy.

 White circles (paper, poster board or wood)  Construction paper, poster board or wood to make the snowman’s hat  Markers or paint  School glue, craft glue, and/or hot glue

1. Give each child enough circles to display their name, plus two for the top and bottom. 2. Glue circles together to form the body of the snowman. 3. Using the additional supplies, create a hat for the snowman. 4. Use the markers or paint to create a face and place one letter on each circle to spell the child’s name. 5. Add a favorite Bible verse or put the year on the bottom circle. 6. To create a wall hanging, hot glue a paper clip to the back side of the snowman’s hat. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 Snowman Marshmallows

Create a fun and edible snack.

 Flat square marshmallows  Easy writer food decorator pens

1. Use marshmallows and food decorating pens to create snowmen that are good enough to eat.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Winter Snowman Night Light

A fun snowman night light craft that kids and adults will enjoy.

 Clean gallon jug  Fun foam or construction paper  Scissors  Glue dots  100 clear light string & extension cord  Hat and scarf

1. Cut a small hole in the back bottom corner below the jug handle—just large enough to insert the lights through. 2. Create a face for the front of the snowman using fun foam or construction paper. Attach with glue dots. 3. Add the hat and scarf and plug in your night light.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Building Indoor Snowman

Create one or a family of indoor snowmen—any size you want!

 Newspapers or white butcher paper  Construction paper  Sticks, hats, gloves, scarves  Packing tape  Glue dots

1. Wad up newspaper to form a ball. Add tape randomly to secure and continue to form the ball until the desired size. 2. Build your snowman adding tape to keep the shape together. 3. Add a construction paper face using glue dots or tape. 4. Tape the stick arms in place. 5. Add hat, gloves, and scarf for a snowman that won’t melt.

Rejoice in the LORD always, Again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Winter Snowman Garland

Create a fun and festive winter garland.

 Paper plates  Construction paper and/or scrapbook paper  Accessories templates (glasses, ties, etc.)  Glue, glue sticks, glue dots or tape  Markers or Crayons

1. Each child will need 3 or more paper plates, yarn, and a variety of paper. 2. Use paper or markers to create a face on each plate. 3. Use templates to trace accessories for each snowman. 4. After completing each snowman, attach yarn to the back of each plate with tape, providing 10 to 12 inches of space between each snowman face. 5. Snowflakes can also be inserted between faces to lengthen the garland.

And be kind and compassionate to one another. Ephesians 4:32

3D Snowman

Fun artwork that can be treasured for years to come.

 Dark foam core board or poster board  School glue  Shaving cream (sensitive skin)  Various colors of fun foam  Scissors  Bowl for mixing glue & shaving cream

1. Mix equal parts of shaving cream and glue in a bowl. 2. Use fingers to create a snowman image on foam core board or poster board. 3. Use fingertips to add snowflakes around the snowman. 4. Use scissors to cut fun foam shapes for the face, arms, hat, etc. 5. Place the shapes on the snowman before the glue/shaving cream dries. 6. Allow to dry completely and display on an easel or include a hook on the back to hang on the wall. 7. Enjoy all winter. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up just as you are already doing. Valentine’s Day Melted Crayon Heart

Do you have a box full of broken crayons at your house? Here’s how to use them! Make a very creative heart shaped crayon Valentine!

 Crayons  Oven, heart shaped muffin tin or silicone mold  Cardstock or construction paper  Glue, scissors  More crayons to use for drawing on card.

1. Preheat oven to 230 degrees. 2. Break crayons into small pieces and place in the muffin tin. 3. Bake in oven for approximately 10-15 min. Remove and let it cool. 4. Make a card by folding a piece of paper in half. 5. Glue on other paper and paper hearts. 6. When the melted crayon heart has cooled, gently remove it from the pan or mold. 7. Glue the heart crayon to the card. 8. Write “Valentine, you color my life!” on the card.

Mustache and Kisses

A fun way to make a Valentine treat for your classmates.

 Fun foam in red and black  markers  scissors  suckers  hole punch

1. Draw lips on the red foam, a mustache on the black foam (look up templates online if you’re not comfortable drawing them yourself). 2. Cut out shapes. Draw the center portion of the lips with a permanent marker. 3. Use a hole punch to punch the hole in the middle of the lips, and in the middle of the mustache. 4. Slide the sucker stick through the hole. When the person is enjoying the sucker it will look like they have big red lips or a mustache!

Valentine’s Day Valentine Card

Make a Valentine’s Day Card for someone you love. It’s bright and colorful and easy to make.

 Bright colors of construction paper  One sheet of white construction paper  Glue  Paint to add some decorations

1. Select some bright colors of construction paper. Cut the paper into valentine shapes. 2. Fold a sheet of construction paper in half, like a book. 3. Arrange the shapes (except the hearts) on the small square of white paper, then glue down. 4. To make the hearts stand out. Glue one side of each heart to a curl of paper and the other side to the card above a stem. 5. You can paint some extra decorations with glitter glue.

Love Poem

Use footprints to make a heart. Attach a simple poem.

· Colored construction paper · White paper · Paint and paintbrush · Glue · Marker · Scissors

1. Cut the white paper into a large heart shape. 2. Paint the child’s feet and have them press their feet onto the white heart. 3. Once the paint dries, glue the heart onto the colored construction paper. 4. On one side of the colored construction paper write, “From the bottom of my heart, to the tips of my toes. I love you, Happy Valentine’s Day!”.

Valentine’s Day You’re Cute as a Button!

Make an adorable valentine door hanger on the cheap!

 Cardboard, construction paper  Computer and printer to print the greeting  Buttons  Glue  Thin bendy wire  Ribbon  Small nail for making hole

1. Cut out heart shapes from cardboard and construction paper. 2. Print the greeting from computer and cut the paper into a heart shape. 3. Assemble and glue the paper hearts together 4. Glue buttons around the heart. 5. Poke a small hole with a push pin into the top of the cardboard heart on both sides to hold the wire. 6. Bend wire through the holes and curl around a pencil. 7. Attach a ribbon to the wire.

Monster Valentine Box

Use an empty tissue box to make a cute valentine box for the classroom!

 Empty tissue box (any size or hole type)  Wrapping paper  Tape, glue, scissors  Large googly eyes  Yarn, ribbon, fringe  Construction paper

1. Look at your tissue box and its opening and decide how you want your monster to look. 2. Wrap the box in colorful wrapping paper, leaving the hole open. 3. Decorate the box with googly eyes, ribbon, construction paper, etc. to make your monster. 4. Valentines can be inserted into the monster’s mouth.

Valentine’s Day Watercolor “I Love You”

Trace hands and paint with watercolors, then cut out and bend the fingers into the classic sign language sign for “I love you”.

 Watercolor paper and watercolor paint  Pencils and scissors  Small bowls of water and paper towels  White crayon  Glue or glue dots  Paint brushes

1. Trace hands and color a heart in the palm with the white crayon, provide templates if needed. 2. Paint the entire area inside the hand with clear water. 3. Wet brushes and dip them into colors of paint, touching them on the watery hand outlined. 4. Let colors run together like tie dye. The white heart should resist the paint and stand out. 5. Dry completely. Hair dyers can speed the drying time. 6. Cut out the hand and bend down the two middle fingers to form “I Love You.” 7. Secure finger tips with glue. 8. Write a valentine message on the back! “You’re the Best, hands down!” or “I Love You...in any language!”

Air Freshener Valentine

Something for mom or dad to keep in the car and remember how much they are loved by the scent you choose for their car air freshener.

 Valentine colors of fun foam  Hanging ribbon  Tape and stapler  Potpourri oil—various scents  Cotton balls  Permanent markers

1. Cut out two fun foam hearts no larger than 4” x 3”. Hearts should be identical. 2. Punch a hole in the top to attach a ribbon through both sides. Cut and tie a ribbon approximately 16 inches long through the hole. 3. On the front draw or write a message in permanent marker, “You’re Scent-sational! 4. Line up the front and back and staple around the edges, leaving the top open 5. Stuff a cotton ball or two in the heart. 6. Drop a few drops of scented potpourri oil on the cotton. Hang in the car to scent it!

Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Shakes

Make a pink shake without all the mess and without a blender!

 Vanilla ice cream  Milk  Red food coloring w/peppermint extract OR Strawberry syrup  Quart size zip close baggies  Drinking Straws

1. Give each child a scoop of ice cream into their zip close bag. 2. Let them choose their flavor (Vanilla, Mint, or Strawberry). Squeeze the chosen flavors in the bag. 3. Seal the baggie and have kids squish it until it is all mixed and partly melted. 4. Open just a corner of the zip closed top and insert a straw. 5. Enjoy your treats! Tell the Bible story and every time you mention the main character’s name have kids take a sip of their sweetheart shake. 6. Other flavors: Orange dream with orange juice; Chocolate with chocolate syrup; Chocolate cherry with chocolate syrup and maraschino cherry juice. 7. Decorate straws in advance with heart stickers for an extra holiday twist. Teddy Bear Hugs

Yarn gives this teddy bear his fuzzy wuzzy look. Glue him on your valentine’s card to say you love someone thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much!

 Construction paper, brown plus others  Poster board  Brown yarn  Glue  Scissors  Markers  Toothpicks, optional

1. Cut out a teddy bear shape, glue it to some poster board and cut that out as well. 2. Clip the yarn into 1/2 to 1/4 inch lengths then separate it into its threads. Make a fuzzy pile 3. Paint or spread glue on the bear’s body and press the yarn fluff into the glue. Use a toothpick, if needed, to arrange and stick down the yarn fluff. 4. Apply wiggle eyes. Cut a small circle for a snout and draw a nose and smile. Glue under eyes on top of the fluffy bear fur. 5. Run a piece of yarn or ribbon tightly from paw to paw. Tape a heart to it that says, “I love you thiiiiiiis much!”

Spring Holidays

Spring Easter Mother’s Day Father’s Day

Writers & Contributors: Mark Jones Susan O’Dell Raegan Jones Kaylie Jones Debra Stephens Gina McKean Gracie Jones

www.mrmarksclassroom.com Easter “He is Risen” Corsage

Make an Easter corsage to give away to a mom, a grandma, or a senior citizen. The decorative ribbon declares “He is Risen!” for all to read.

 Paper baking cups  Jumbo (diameter) drinking straws  Cotton swabs and markers  Ribbons and a fine point Sharpie marker  Green tulle and scissors  Corsage pins—please use caution! 1. Fold the baking paper in fourths. Open back up to a half fold and trim one quadrant from each fold point so that the arc of the circle is cut flat and a point forms on one side when open. 2. Color the head of the swab yellow and the stick green. Open the trimmed baking cup and center the swab along the center fold; crinkle and twist the curved bottom of the baking cup around the swab stick, taping it in place. Shape with fingers to cup around the swab. 3. Cut the straw (green straw works best) into a 3” piece. Cut a section of tulle about 4” x 8”. 4. Gather the tulle and stuff one side into the straw. Push the swab stems of the baking cup lilies into the straw as well. Pressure should hold them tight, no need to glue. 5. Tie with pretty Easter ribbons. Make one ribbon white and write on it “He is Risen”. Criss-Cross Collage

Kids will create unique art using cross shapes and colors. Great talk time about how many crosses were at the crucifixion. Talk about the facts of the cross and the timeline of Jesus’ death as they color.

 White paper  Cross shapes cut from cardstock  Markers  Scissors  Construction paper for framing

1. Cut cardstock into cross shapes. Use varied outlines. Try cutting out printed pictures. 2. Let kids lay the crosses on their paper and trace them, overlapping in several places. 3. Now kids can color the crosses, but every time they cross a line they must change colors. 4. Encourage kids to use lots of colors and even patterns to make each space look different. 5. Fill in the background where no crosses are traced. Use a loose pattern to help cut down on the amount of area needing color. 6. Tape or glue the art into a construction paper frame that compliments the colors Easter Jelly Bean Cross

The colors of the Jelly Bean Cross stand as a reminder to us of the love that Jesus has for us.

 Construction paper  White paper  Marker or ink pen, small stickers  Hot glue gun (low temp)  Scissors  Eight jelly beans- one of each color: red, orange, yellow, green, purple, pink, white, and black

1. Draw a cross on the white paper and cut it out. 2. Glue the white cross onto colored construction paper and cut around it as a frame. 3. Place two jelly beans in each portion of the cross and write what they stand for. “Red is for the blood he gave. Green is for the grass he made. Yellow is for the sun so bright. Orange is for the edge of night. Purple is for his hour of sorrow. Pink is for our new tomorrow. Black is for the sin we have. White is for the grace he gave.” 4. In the middle of the cross, write “A handful of jelly beans…simple, colorful, and sweet reminds us of some reasons, he makes our life so complete!” 5. Decorate with markers or stickers as desired.

He is Risen!

Jesus is alive! He has risen from the dead. .

 Paper bowl  Crayons  Brown paper  Glue  Scissors  Brad

1. Cut the paper bowl in half. 2. Glue the outside edges together . Add masking tape if desired. 3. Cut an oval opening on one side. 4. Create a stone by cutting a large circle of brown paper the size of the oval opening. 5. Use a brad to attach your stone to the outside of your tomb so the child can open and close by rolling the stone over. Earth Day Globe

A great way to celebrate the Earth that the Lord made. “He’s got the whole world in his hands” and He has given it to us to take care of.

 Construction paper  Blue paint  Green paint  Glue  Sponge  Marker

1. Cut out a large circle from a light colored piece of paper. This is the globe. 2. Trace your hands on paper and cut them out. 3. Dip one end of the sponge into blue paint and dab on the globe to paint the oceans. 4. Dip the other end of the sponge into the green paint and paint the land. Let dry. 5. Glue the hands onto the globe. 6. Write on the hands “He’s got the whole world in his hands,” or “God created the earth.”

Cereal Birdfeeder

This is a fun way to give back to the Earth. The birds will like it too!

 Cheerios or other “O-Shaped” cereal  Two pipe cleaners  Ribbon

1. Take the first pipe cleaner and begin stringing cereal on it. Leave about an inch free at the end. 2. Repeat the first step with the second pipe cleaner to create both sides. 3. Twist and bend the two cereal covered pipe cleaners together to form a cross. 4. Tie a ribbon at the top so it can hang outside to feed the birds! National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day - May 15 Chocolate Chip Cookie Plate

Make a special gift plate to celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!

 A plain white ceramic plate from the dollar store  Permanent markers  Your kitchen oven set to 350 degrees

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Write “Happy Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!” on the plate and decorate with perma- nent markers. 3. Bake plate in oven for about 20 minutes. Let plate cool. 4. Hand wash the plate, do not put in dishwasher, to maintain design. (There’s no guarantee the design will last, it all depends on the glaze of the plate.)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Gift

Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day with your children, and bless your neighbors!

 Buy “slice and bake” chocolate chip cookie dough or buy a bag of chocolate chips and follow the recipe on the bag.  Bake the cookies with your children and let them help.

TIP: Spread newspapers on your cabinet or kitchen table to use as the cookie cooling station.

When the cookies are cool, place cookies on the platter that you made, cover with plas- tic wrap, and give it to a neighbor. Spring Tear Tissue Art

Make a beautiful bouquet of flowers for your mother on Mother’s Day. Very colorful and fun but a little stinky.

 Bright colors of tissue paper  One piece of white paper  Distilled vinegar  Paint brush  Marker

1. Select some bright colors of tissue paper. Tear or cut the paper into fun shapes. 2. Arrange the tissue paper shapes on a sheet of white paper. Paint over the pieces of tissue shapes with vinegar. Brush lightly or the tissue might tear. 3. Overlap some of the shapes so they change colors. 4. Keep adding tissue pieces until you have created you masterpiece for your mother. 5. Gently remove the pieces after it has dried slightly. The color will have stained the paper. 6. Use a marker to draw any lines needed and write a message.

Bracelet

Make a beautiful bracelet for you mother on Mother’s Day. She will love wearing something her kids made just for her.

 Newspaper strips  White copy paper  Thinned white glue  Squares of colored tissue  Felt tip pens or paint and paint brush  Masking tape

1. Roll some newspaper into a ring (bracelet). Use masking tape to hold it together. 2. Cut strips of copy paper and dip into white glue that is slightly thinned with water. 3. Wrap the strips of paper around the newspaper ring until the bracelet. 4. Add squares of colored tissue around the bracelet and paint the strips of tissue with thinned white glue. 5. If you want, you may draw or paint designs on your bracelet. Mother’s Day I Love You to Pieces Frame

Show mom how much you love her with a picture frame. Use those puzzles with missing pieces that you have.

 A picture frame (dollar store)  Puzzle pieces  Paint (acrylic or spray paint)  Glue or glue gun  Permanent markers  Add a child’s picture

1. Remove glass and backing from frame. 2. Paint puzzle pieces and frame separately. Allow drying time. 3. Glue puzzle pieces onto frame. Let dry. 4. Using markers, write “I Love (or heart) you to pieces.” 5. Replace glass and insert child’s picture.

Handprint Potholder

A keepsake handprint on a useful item that mom will cherish.

 A plain potholder  Acrylic craft paint  A foam brush or 1” flat brush  Paper towel  Acrylic craft paint in tube for writing

1. Have paper towel near for clean up before you begin! 2. Carefully paint the child’s hand with acrylic craft paint. Place the child’s hand on potholder firmly to make impression. 3. Wash the child’s hand after impression is made. 4. After handprint dries write “Happy Mother’s Day” and the child’s name on the potholder.

Mother’s Day Pillow Verse

Decorate a pillowcase for mom or dad with their favorite Bible verse.

 White standard size prewashed pillowcase  Fabric paint pens or permanent markers  Letter and/or decoration stencils  Cardboard inserts for each child

1. Place cardboard inside the pillowcase before beginning the project. 2. Use fabric paint pens or markers to write a Bible verse and/or decorate the pillowcase. 3. For best results, heat-set by placing the completed project in the dryer for a few minutes.

God’s power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Bookmarks

Create a bookmark for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa or a teacher!

 Large buttons of various shapes and sizes  Large plastic coated paperclips  Craft glue  Printed notes or note paper and pencils

1. Allow boys and girls to choose two “like” buttons and a paperclip to make a bookmark. 2. Glue the paperclip between the buttons for best effect. 3. Attach bookmarks to a preprinted note or allow the child to design his own note.

Honor your father and your mother. Exodus 20:12 Mother’s Day Lucky Duck

Everyone feels lucky to have their mom. Let’s show it by making this cute footprint duck.

 Yellow paint  White paper  Orange paint  Blue marker and crayon  Black permanent marker  Glue  Pink or blue ribbon

1. Paint the bottom of one foot yellow and press down (toes facing left) on the paper. 2. Use blue marker to draw the lines of waves below the duck. 3. Fill in the waves with a blue crayon 4. When the footprint is dry, paint a small short neck and a round head on the heel side of the footprint. 5. Draw a black round eye. 6. Paint an orange beak and outline it with a marker. 7. Write “I’m a Lucky Duck to have a Mom like you” and “Happy Mother’s Day”. 8. Tie a bow with the ribbon and glue it onto the duck’s neck.

A Bouquet for Mom

Flowers are always a Mother’s Day gift favorite. Let’s get artsy with it!

 Construction paper  Variety of paint colors  Marker

1. Paint one, whole hand green and press it in the center of the paper. Use both hands for a larger bouquet of flowers. 2. Dip your fingertip or thumb into another paint color and go around each finger on the handprint, making flower pedals. Be sure to add a dot for the center. 3. Do this for each finger flower. 4. Use markers and decorate the paper if desired. Write “Happy Mother’s Day.” Mothers’ Day Lockets of Love

Create a very personal gift for mom by making a wearable locket that holds meaningful minis. Kids get to choose what goes into their mom’s special gift. Have them choose things that represent themselves or something their mom loves like a tiny silk flower, button, or heart.

 Large wiggly eyes  Small fake birthstones, alphabet beads  Craft knife (for use by an adult only)  Sturdy glue (E6000 suggested)  Clear packing tape cut into thinner strips  Cardstock  Jewelry pendant backs and baby ribbon.

1. Slit the clear plastic of the wiggly eye next to the white back; slide out black eye piece. 2. Insert colorful disks of solid cardstock with tiny messages written around the edge. 3. Let kids choose tiny drop-ins: letter beads, birth gems, tiny cross beads, shells & sequins. 4. If you are extra ambitious, kids can make their own minis on shrinkable plastic. 5. Seal the slit with packing tape; lay it along the clear side and snip the tape on the white side like fringe. 6. Fold the tiny tape flaps over onto the backside to conform to the shape of the locket. 7. Glue the pendant back (these connect the new locket to a metal loop for the neck cord). 8. Run a long ribbon through the necklace loop and let the locket dangle like a long necklace. 9. Place the fun jewelry gifts in decorated bags or jewelry boxes.

Oceans of Love Magnet

It’s a “Sand Globe” not a snow globe to remind mom how special she is. Use this poem: Of all the Moms From Coast to Coast You’re the one I love the MOST!  Extra large wiggly eyes  Craft knife for use by an adult only  Sand and tiny sea shells  Blue paper with pre-printed poem  Clear packing tape  Self-stick magnets

1. Use craft knife to slice the clear plastic of the wiggly eye close to the white backing. 2. Remove the black disk. 3. Pre-print on blue paper the poem small enough to fit into the plastic case. 4. Cut out and slip poem into the plastic case. Add sand and sea shells on top of poem. 5. Seal slit with clear tape laid over the slit on the clear side and cut into foldable tabs on the backside. Fold over the tape tabs you created, letting them overlap to hold tight. 6. Add the self-stick magnets to the back of the sand globe. Attach to a card that shows a beach scene drawn by the child. 7. Print the card to say “Oceans of Love on Mother’s Day!”

Father’s Day Coaster for Dad

Make a coaster for Dad’s office or the table next to his recliner.

 A piece of scrap ceramic tile  A picture printed with color printer  Mod Podge or white glue  Paintbrush or foam brush  Clear waterproof sealer  Felt squares or dots

1. Print color photo. 2. Spread glue or ModPodge on back of picture. 3. Smooth picture onto tile. 4. Carefully spread glue or Mod Podge on top of picture so the ink will not smear. 5. Allow to dry. 6. Write message with permanent marker if desired. 7. Spread or spray waterproof sealer on the top, allow to dry. 8. Glue or stick felt dots to the corners of the back.

First-Aid Kit

Use an empty Altoids tin or a tin from the hobby store to make a useful first-aid kit for Dad.

 Empty, clean tin  Duct tape, stickers, paper for decorating  Scissors  First-aid items: adhesive bandages, trial sized pain relievers, nail clippers, eye drops, etc.

1. Cut duct tape to fit on box top, bottom, and sides. Leave a margin around the edge of the side so that the lid will close. 2. Decorate the first-aid tin as you desire. 3. Fill with helpful first-aid items and samples.

Father’s Day I Love You This Much

This is a great craft for Father’s Day! It’s a cute way to show how much you love and appreciate your Dad.

 Construction paper  Glue  Markers

1. Trace your hands and cut them out. 2. Cut a strip of construction paper and accordion fold the paper. 3. Glue each end of the accordion strip to the handprints . 4. Write “I Love You This Much!” on one handprint and “Happy Father’s Day!” on the other.

Love Glove

Here’s a cute way to celebrate dads or celebrate the men who work in your church.

 Buy some inexpensive cotton work  Fabric paint  Paper plate

1. Spread fabric paint into the bottom of a paper plate and guide kids to press their hand into the paint and then onto a pair of work gloves, lining up their fingers (as best as possible) with the glove fingers.

2. Attach a note thanking Dad for all the work he does for the family! For smaller chil- dren attach a cute poem: “Roses are red, violets are blue. When I grow up I want to be like you!” Happy Father’s Day!

3. Distribute to deacons, teachers, and ministers to show appreciation. Father’s Day Pencil Holder

Make a fun pencil holder for your father on Father’s Day. Fill it with candy and when the candy is gone he can use it for pens and pencils.

 One small clean can with no sharp edges  One sheet of brown construction paper  One sheet of tan construction paper  Glue  Candy

1. Glue a piece of tan construction paper around your container. 2. Draw the puppy shapes on construction paper with a pencil. 3. Cut shapes out. 4. Glue the front feet to the container. 5. Glue the back feet to the container. 6. Glue the eyes and nose to the puppy’s face. Draw eyes with a marker. 7. Glue the face to the container. 8. Glue the ears to the sides of the head.

Helping Hand

A great snack idea for Dad or faithful teachers and workers at church.

 Clear serving glove  Ribbon or pipe cleaner  Sticky dots for fingernails  Popped popcorn (and candies)  Note of appreciation

1. Pop the popcorn and let cool. 2. Fill the glove with popcorn. 3. Tie the end closed with ribbon or pipe cleaner. 4. Add stickers for fingernails if desired. 5. Attach a note of appreciation. 6. Option—Add chocolate candies or candy corn with the popcorn. Father’s Day

Dad’s “Got it All” Mix

Give Dad a pat on the back with this fun snack mix gift! The recipe is included along with the note to put with the mix!

 Clear bags that can be securely sealed  Raisins  Oat O’s cereal  Peanuts (if allergies allow for them)  Pretzel sticks  Regular and mini M&M’s  Copies of the mix note

1. Pass out copies of the note and have kids color the pictures. I made mine by hand, but you can format it on the computer with clip art pictures. 2. After hands are washed, give each child a bag to hold their mix. 3. Provide bowls of ingredients with scoops or spoons to get the goodies into their bag. You can have the kids move along buffet style, or pass the bowls, but it’s a great opportunity to hold the bag open for the child while you talk to them one on one about dads in general and how God is our Father. 4. Notice the note specifically says “do what a dad does”. This allows kids without a dad in the home to make the gift for someone who helps their family like a dad does. It can even be for a mom! Put the note and mix together in a gift bag or tie with a bow!

“Plaid” About Dad Frame

Plaids or tartans are an old Scottish way to say “I belong with this family”. Make Dad a frame to show off his family!

 Small canvas boards or cut foam core rectangle pieces  White school glue and foam brushes  Colorful tissue, cut into 1”, ½”, and ¼” strips  Mini clothes pins and tacky glue  Photos of children in your class  Markers and paper for the attached note saying “I’m ‘plaid’ you’re my Dad”

1. Give each child a small canvas or cut foam core for their back board. 2. Paint the board with thinned white glue. 3. Plaids are just a pattern of lines that lay perpendicular to one another. Choose the main color and lay down several 1” strips in both directions. 4. Choose a second color and place these ½”strips next to the larger ones already on the board. Remember to go vertically and horizontally. 5. Choose a third color and place these ¼” strips next to the medium ones. Remember to go vertically and horizontally with equal spacing. 6. Cover with a final coat of glue and add mini-clothes pins to hold a photo. Father’s Day What A Catch

You won’t forget to tell your dad how great of a “catch” he is with this cute craft.

 Construction paper  Markers  Photo  Tape or glue  Dowel rod/sticks  String or thin ribbon

1. Draw and cut out a fish from the construction paper. 2. Cut the photo down to fit inside the fish and glue or tape it on the fish. 3. Write “Dad, you’re a great catch! Happy Father’s Day.” 4. Tape the string onto the back of the fish. 5. Tape the other end of the string and tie it onto the end rod or stick. Be sure to double knot so it doesn’t come off.

Thanks A Bunch!

A little card for Dad using the child’s thumbprint to say a “bunch” of thanks for all he does!

 White paper  Markers  Purple paint  Stickers

1. Fold the paper in half to make a card. 2. Dip the child’s thumb into purple paint and make the first row of grapes. 3. Repeat painting for each row of grapes, decreasing the count by one grape per row. 4. When the painting is dry, use a marker and draw and color leaves and a stem on top of the bunch of grapes. 5. On the front of the card write, “Thanks a bunch Dad!” 6. On the inside of the card write, “Happy Father’s Day” and decorate with stickers. Father’s Day Goody Bags for Dad

Dad’s can always use a new tie, especially if it’s attached to a sweet treat! Treat your dad this year by making this awesome combo!

 Legal or letter size envelope  Glue or tape  Patterned paper such as scrapbook paper  Candy  Markers

1. Cut off one end of the envelope. 2. On the face side, cut a one inch slit right down the middle. 3. On each of the two creased sides, cut a slit about ½ inch. 4. Now fold down the flaps you just cut to create the collar tips and the back of the collar. 5. Tuck the edges of the front collar tips that extend beyond the edge under the back collar edge and glue or tape. 6. Cut ties from patterned paper, adding details with a marker. 7. Fill with candy and include a card wishing Dad a Happy Father’s Day! Summer Holidays

Summer Independence Day Back to School

Writers & Contributors: Mark Jones Raegan Jones Karen Gilliland Susan O’Dell Debra Stephens Lynn Jordan

www.mrmarksclassroom.com Independence Day Milk Jug Toss

Here’s a great tossing and catching game the whole class or family can enjoy. There needs to be a penalty for the person who doesn’t catch the ball! Try smaller size jugs for more of a challenge.

 Gallon size milk jugs  Utility knife  Duct tape  Ball or bean bag

1. Wash and dry milk jugs. 2. Holding the jug upside down, draw a line around the bottom. 3. Cut the bottom and remove to reveal a scoop-like jug. 4. Trim any stubborn places to achieve the desired look. 5. Use duct tape to cover the sharp edge. 6. Create more scoops for more kids to play.

Liberty Crown

Here is a great holiday favor to add to any Independence Day celebration. Invite kids to create a Statue of Liberty crown to wear. Be ready to take pictures of your liberty kids.

 Large sheet of green craft foam  Black permanent marker  Ruler  Scissors

1. Draw an inside circle that will fit around the child’s head. 2. Draw an outside oval with the circle positioned closer to the bottom. 3. Use a ruler to draw straight lines making points of the crown. 4. Outline the lines with a black marker and draw other decoration as desired. 5. Cut out the crown and wear. Independence Day Fireworks Shirt or Towel

Make a t-shirt or kitchen towel (or even a tablecloth or a placemat) show the “rocket’s red glare” on the Fourth of July!

 T-shirt, cotton tea towel, placemat, etc.  Sharpie markers  Spray bottle  Rubbing alcohol  Cardboard

1. Place cardboard inside t-shirt, or lay cotton towel or placemat on cardboard. 2. Using markers, make circles of dots as shown. 3. Pour rubbing alcohol into the spray bottle. 4. Spray the portion of the article that has the marker dots. The more you spray, the more it bleeds! 5. Watch colors spread through fabric. 6. You might want to practice on scrap material first for desired effect. Please use caution while spraying the alcohol, it’s flammable.

Popper

A safe and easy fireworks “popper” made from materials you probably already have in your home.

 Paper towel tube (cut into approx. 5” length)  Decorative paper or tissue  Balloon  Confetti—small pom poms, shredded tissue and tape

1. Cut paper towel tube to approximately 5” length. 2. Cover the paper towel tube with decorative paper (or tape). 3. Cut balloon across center. You will use the tied end. 4. Stretch the cut part of the balloon across the end of the tube. Tape the edges. 5. Tie the balloon end. 6. The other end is open. Pour some confetti in the open end. 7. Point the popper towards the sky. Pull the balloon end and let it snap! Confetti flies in the air. Party! Independence Day Party Cracker

Children can make a simple party favor to resemble a fire cracker. This candy and confetti filled favor will be a welcomed treat.

 Toilet paper tube  Scissors  Colored tissue paper  Tape  Ribbon or rubber bands  Candy and/or confetti  Markers

1. Using scissors, cut the tube in half leaving one side still connected. 2. Lay the tube on a sheet of tissue paper and tape the edge to the tube. 3. Roll the tube making sure there is plenty of tissue paper hanging off the ends. 4. Twist one end closed and tie with ribbon or rubber band. 5. Using the open end, fill the tube with candy and confetti. 6. Twist the tissue to close and secure with ribbon. 7. Decorate with markers. 8. To open, crack the tube by tearing the tissue paper in the middle and enjoy the surprise.

Pinwheel

This adorable Pinwheel is wonderful for parades and any outdoor activities where a breeze can turn the colorful wheel.

 One 8x8 square of colored paper  Four 4x4 squares of colored paper  Glue  Scissors  Pushpin  Unsharpened pencil

1. Glue the 4x4 squares to each quadrant of the 8x8 paper. 2. Using a ruler, draw a line from corner to corner. 3. Cut along the line toward the center stopping about an inch before the center. 4. Bend the outside points toward the center. 5. Insert a pushpin through the layered corners of paper and into the pencil eraser. Independence Day Watermelon Cookies

Who doesn’t enjoy cookies at their freedom celebration? It’s like a firecracker in your mouth!

 2/3 cup softened butter  1 TBSP milk  1 1/2 tsp. baking powder  1 tsp. vanilla  1/3 cup choc. chips  1 egg  Red/ green food coloring  2 cups flour  2 TBSP water  1/2 tsp. salt  1 1/2 cups sifted  1 cup sugar powdered sugar

1. Beat butter in a large bowl at medium speed. Gradually add sugar, beating well. 2. Stir in egg, milk, and vanilla, and set aside. 3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Then mix. Add it to the creamed mixture from step 2. 4. Add desired amount of red food coloring until the dough resembles the pink watermelon. 5. Shape dough into a ball; cover and chill at least three hours. 6. Divide dough in half; store one half in the refrigerator. Roll remaining portion to 1/4” thickness on a lightly floured surface. 7. Cut dough with a 3” round cookie cutter. Next, cut the circle in half and place on ungreased cookie sheet. 8. Arrange three chocolate chips on each cookie to resemble seeds. Repeat with other half of dough. 9. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes but do not brown. Let cool. 10. Combine powdered sugar and water, mixing until smooth. Add green food coloring and mix. 11. Dip round edges of each cookie in green frosting & place on wax paper until firm. Prayer Mobile

Red, white, and blue and a prayer for you! Patriotic prayer mobiles are festive and reminds children to pray for our country and her leaders.

 Wire coat hanger  Construction paper  Tape, scissors, and glue  Glitter  Markers  Glitter

1. Cut out six stars from the color paper you choose. 2. Write a prayer request on each star. 3. Glue around the edges of each star and pour glitter over the glue. Shake the excess off and allow to dry. 4. Cut six pieces of red ribbon and six pieces of blue about the same length. Run the blade of the scissors along the ribbon to curl them. 5. Tape a piece of the ribbon that’s curled to the back of a star. 6. Cut six more pieces of blue ribbon all different lengths. 7. Tie one end of each ribbon onto the coat hanger and the other end to the back of each star to complete the mobile. Independence Day Flags

Celebrate your favorite veteran with this fun and personalized flag!

 Blue paper  Yellow, red, white, and blue paint  Glue  Cotton Swabs  Dowel rods

1. Paint the palm of your hand blue, every other finger red, and the remaining fingers white. Press your hand down on the paper. 2. Cut out the handprint in a rectangle. 3. Glue the backside of your flag handprint to the stick. 4. Add dots for stars by dipping the cotton swab in yellow paint and making stars. 5. Let dry. Wave proudly!

Pom Pom Paddle Game

You and a friend can enjoy summer by batting the pom poms back and forth to each other!

 Two paper plates  Two paint stir sticks  Glue and/or duct tape  Pom Poms  Crayons and markers  Stickers optional for decorating

1. Decorate plates and stir sticks. 2. Glue and/or tape the paper plates to the stir sticks. 3. Play Pom Pom Paddle! Independence Day Hand on your Heart

Kids will create a flag on a heart shape using their hand as the printing block. Talk about the pledge of allegiance and how God is a part of our nation’s history and that is why He is mentioned in the pledge.

 Red, white, and blue paint  Paint brushes  Red and black cardstock  Scissors, hole punch, and tape  12” lengths of patriotic ribbon  Wet wipes or water bin to wash hands

1. Cut the red paper into a heart shape; punch a hole at the top and cut an index card size rectangle out of the center. The center cut rectangle will have the flag taped over it. 2. Cut a black rectangle slightly larger than the one just cut from the center of the heart. 3. Paint the child’s right hand like an American flag. Blue star field on the heel by the thumb and red and white stripes on the fingers, palm and heel by the pinky finger. 4. Press painted hand onto the black rectangle (avoid getting the paint too thick for quick drying). 5. Let the hand print dry a bit while you wash up. Punch a few holes in the star field. 6. Tape the flag rectangle over the rectangle hole you cut from the heart. 7. Loop ribbon in top hole. 8. Hang in a window to let the light shine through the holes you punched in the star field!

Firecracker Invitation

Summer slump? No way! Invite friends to join your class with cool “exploding” firecracker invitations. Pull it apart and find a blast that leads them to directions on where and when your class is having a blast every week!

 Two red envelopes—business size  18” sparkly ribbon or natural jute twine  Stapler, tape, markers, scissors  Patriotic stickers, such as stars  Bright yellow or orange cardstock

1. Seal the envelopes and cut one end off; on one, cut about 1/4 off and the other cut about 1/3 off. 2. On the longer envelope, cut a small slit at the opposite end of the cut you just made. 3. Thread sparkly ribbon or natural jute through the slit and secure with a staple. 4. Now staple the opposite end of the ribbon inside the bottom of the shorter envelope. 5. Cut out a “blast” shape from the yellow cardstock and tape it to the middle of the ribbon between the two envelopes. Write the word “blast” on the shape. 6. Decorate the outside of the firecracker and add your message. Make sure you include instructions on where the recipient should hold the card, and where they should pull. 7. Now tuck the blast inside the shorter envelope and slide the long one over the short one.

Independence Day Firecracker Table Topper

This table topper is fun to make and looks good with the lights on or off! The supplies can be bought at the dollar store.

 Glass jar  Clear glass pebbles  Glow in the dark plastic stars  Metallic chenille stems—red/white/blue  Glue gun (use adult supervision)

1. Twist chenille stems around pencil or dowel, remove and pull to lengthen. 2. Glue stars to ends of chenille stems and on the outside of the glass jar. 3. Fill glass jar 2/3 full with glass pebbles. 4. Insert chenille stems and stars into glass jar. 5. Fill in around the chenille stems with clear glass pebbles. 6. Place jar in sunny place or directly under a light. 7. When the sun goes down, the arrangement will glow. You can enhance the glow with a black light bulb.

Walking Taco

A simple summer cookout meal that’s fun to eat!

 Chili  Individual bags of corn chips  Toppings: cheese, onions, and Pico de gallo, etc.  Forks  Scissors

1. Heat chili on stovetop, grill or campfire. 2. Snip off top of corn chip bags with scissors. 3. Spoon chili and toppings of your choice into the corn chip bag. 4. Eat to your heart’s content! If the fireworks get too close, you and your meal can run!

Summer Hand in Hand

Summer can be filled with opportunities to work together and serve others. Encourage children to create a poster illustrating the need to cooperate and serve others.

 Provide various shades of construction paper or craft paper that reflects the many complexions of people around the world.  Pencils and markers  Scissors  Glue 1. Using the entire 12” length of construction paper, trace your hand on the paper & continue down the arm. 2. Cut them out and trade arm pieces with friends to get four different outlines. 3. Assemble the hands in an interlocking square by having the hands “hold” the wrist of the next hand. 4. Glue down fingers on the wrist it is “holding”. While they work, you can talk about how we cooperate together to reach all the people in the world with the good news about Jesus.

Fruit Loop Rainbow

This adorable rainbow is wonderful for children learning their colors by making a rainbow and talking about God’s promises.

 Fruit Loops  Glue  Cotton balls  Paper  Pen

1. Sort your Fruit Loops into five groups by color: red, orange, yellow, green and blue. 2. Start with the red Fruit Loops and glue them on one at a time into a large arch shape. This will be the outer ring of the rainbow. 3. Each color will make a new row in the rainbow. 4. Glue cotton balls on the ends of the rainbow to represent the clouds. Set aside to dry. 5. Using the ink pen, write Genesis 9:13-17 and a Bible thought “God’s promised mercy and love.” 6. Once you have that written, cut it out and glue it onto a bigger piece of paper to frame it. Then attach it to the top of your rainbow craft to complete. Summer Christmas in August

A great way to usher in the holiday season and bless missionaries at the same time! A great family activity.

 Christmas Tree  Christmas ornaments  Basket  Gift tags

1. Choose one of the Christmas in August missionaries from this site: http:// www.wmu.com/index.php?q=blog/children/misc/christmas-august-children 2. Make tags with the list of the items the missionaries are requesting. 3. Make a sign with these instructions: “If you would like to provide the items on this list; take the tag and hang the ornament on the tree.” Be sure to include an ending date and any other necessary instructions. 4. Set up a Christmas tree in a highly visible area of your church. 5. Attach a tag to each ornament. 6. Place the baskets of ornaments near the tree. 7. Watch the tree fill up with ornaments! 8. Note: Be sure to follow the guidelines carefully to insure that the missionaries receive items they can use. An Apple for the Teacher

Make bookmarks for school teachers AND Sunday School teachers.

 Large paper clips  Red pom-poms  Green felt  Tacky glue  Cardstock  Print cards that say: “An Apple for the Teacher” making sure to insert “Sunday School” as well

 Cut small leaves from the green felt. Show the kids how to glue the felt leaf to the top of the pom-pom. 2. Help the kids glue the pom-pom to the closed end of the paperclip. 3. Once the glue has dried, clip the bookmark to the card. 4. Teacher contact: Write a note to the school teacher of each member of your class. Tell them that you will be praying for them and that you want to partner with them to make this a great year for “______” in school and Sunday School. 5. You may want to deliver the notes to the school or make contact on Facebook. If your school has an open house, it would be a great time to meet the teachers. Summer Sun Ray Catcher

Younger children will enjoy making this colorful craft then letting the sun shine through it. The colors they choose will light up bright.

 Large “O” shape from black poster board  Clear contact paper  Colorful tissue squares (precut)  Permanent marker- black  Jumbo craft stick  Scissors  Glue

1. Draw the large letter “O” on the poster board and cut it out. 2. Place the “O” on a sheet of clear contact paper. 3. Invite the child to place squares of colorful tissue paper on the sticky contact paper. 4. Place a second sheet of contact paper on top and trim around. 5. Color the craft stick with the marker and let dry. 6. Glue stick to circle.

Back Pack Tags

Make tags to add to backpacks. Use them for your kids or school supplies your church will distribute to your local school.

 Large luggage tags  Stamp pads  Pencils (with new erasers)  Self-adhesive labels (#5163)  Elastic bands (hair bands)

1. Show the kids how to use the pencil erasers and stamp pads to decorate the blank tags. 2. Help the kids place a logo label on one side of the tag and an information block label on the opposite side. 3. Demonstrate how to attach the elastic band. Insert one loop of the elastic band through the hole in the tag. Feed the opposite loop through the first and pull. 4. If giving away as a gift: remind the kids to pray for the students who will be receiving the tags. Autumn Holidays

Autumn Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas

Writers & Contributors: Mark Jones Lynn Jordan Joyce Alexander Debra Stephens Raegan Jones Karen Gilliland Gina McKean Susan O’Dell Alyson Walker Gracie Jones Emily Townley

Kaylie Jones

www.mrmarksclassroom.com Autumn “Who” I’m Thankful For

Make a garland that includes the names of people for whom you are thankful!

 Foam or construction paper  Thin wired ribbon, raffia, or yarn  Markers  Googly eyes for owls  Scissors  Hole punch

1. Cut two owl shapes and many leaves from foam or construction paper. 2. Glue googly eyes on owls. 3. Write “WHO I’m thankful for” on the owls. 4. Write the names of those for whom you are thankful on the leaves. 5. Punch a hole on either side of the owl, and two holes at the top of each leaf, side by side. 6. String the wired ribbon, raffia, or yarn through the holes. 7. Hang your garland on the fireplace mantel, wall, or mirror.

Bottle Cap Pumpkin

Make a pumpkin picture using bottle caps.

 Cork or wood square for back  Bottle caps—you can purchase from hobby store or collect them  Paint or sandpaper—optional, to change the color of your bottle caps  Glue  Hammer or pliers  Marker, chenille stem, or small stick

1. Gather or purchase bottle caps. 2. You may leave the bottle caps as they are, sand the surface, or paint them. 3. Arrange the bottle caps on backing as desired. 4. Glue bottle caps to backing. 5. Bend or hammer one bottle cap in half to make leaf and glue in place. 6. For the stem you may draw a line or use a small piece of chenille stem or a stick.

Autumn Fall Tree

Children can make fall trees using their own arms and hands. What a wonderful time of year to be creative!

 Brown paper  Scissors  Round bottles such as pill bottles  Paint in fall colors

1. On brown paper trace the hand and part of the arm of the child. 2. Have the child cut out the hand. (Depending on the age of the child they may need some help with cutting.) This will be the trunk of the tree. 3. Using the round bottles, dip them into paint to make the leaves.

Fall Pumpkin

Enjoy the fall with lots of pumpkins!

 Orange paint  Green paint  Paper  Pumpkin seeds (optional)

1. Paint a pumpkin on the paper using the orange paint. 2. Using the child’s hands, make a stem. Paint child’s hands green and turn the pumpkin upside down so it will be easier on the child to place their hands. 3. Add a stem in the middle of the hands. 4. Add some pumpkin seeds if desired. Autumn Marble Painting

Make your own fall leaves to have fun with.

 Shallow box or pan  Small marbles  Fall paint colors  Leaf cutouts

1. Place a leaf cutout in the box or pan. 2. Roll the marbles in paint and place them in the box with the leaves. 3. Have the children gently wiggle the box to move the marbles over the cutout. If you have vigorous shakers, you can add a lid to the box. 4. Talk about all the colors they see on leaves in the fall. 5. Once the leaves are dry, use them to decorate a bulletin board, glue onto paper to make placemats, or toss them about like falling leaves off a tree.

Magnetic Reminder

Teachers always need a place to put their reminders, so help them out with these awesome magnetic signs!  Inexpensive round or square pizza pans (you can find them at a dollar store)  Drill  Black spray paint  Paint pens  Clear spray sealant  Large red wooden beads  Button magnets & glue  Small plastic green “perler” beads  Construction paper in green  Magnetic clips  Ribbon or yarn

1. Drill two small holes about 3” apart in the top of the pan to create a hanger. 2. Spray paint the pan. After pan is completely dry, use the paint pens to embellish it. 3. Spray with a clear sealant to prevent peeling or scratching. 4. Create apple magnets by gluing red beads onto the button magnets. Insert the green beads into the top of the wooden bead. Glue in place. Add a tiny paper leaf. 5. Use magnetic clips as note holders. 6. Insert ribbon or yarn into the drilled holes to make a hanger. Autumn Scarecrow

The scarecrow is a fun way to celebrate autumn.

 Paper plate  Construction paper (yellow, orange, and brown)  Two red buttons  Black marker  Glue

1. Glue the two buttons on the plate for eyes. 2. Cut out an orange hat and glue it to the top of the plate. 3. Cut a brown triangle for the nose and glue it. 4. Cut yellow strips for the scarecrow’s hair and glue them in place. 5. Use the black marker to draw a mouth.

Optional: Add a greeting “Don’t be scared, hang out in Sunday School”

Faux Stained Glass Leaf

Enjoy the beautiful colors of fall in this faux stained glass leaf hanger.

 Colored paper plates (cut leaf shapes from two plates for each child)  Coffee filters  Water based markers– brown, orange, red and yellow  Spray bottle with water  Twine  Hole punch  Glue

1. Encourage the kids to use the markers to color the center of the coffee filter. 2. Spray the filters and watch the colors blend. 3. Glue the filters between two plates with the leaf shape cut out. 4. Punch a small hole in the top of the plates and add twine to hang. Autumn “I Thank God” Game

A great game to help kids discover all that we can be thankful for.

 Small pictures of things kids are thankful for  Glue  Egg Carton  Small Ball  Label paper

 Glue a small picture in each well of the egg carton.  Print the “I am thankful for….” label to attach to the top of the carton.  Demonstrate how to place the ball in the carton, close the lid, and give it a good shake.  Encourage the kids to say, “I am thankful for…” then open the carton and complete the statement by naming the item in the well where the ball landed.

Fall Leaves Bible Verse

As children say the verse, the tree will slowly “lose” it’s leaves. When all the leaves are gone, the children will know the verse!

 Brown Craft Paper  Die cut leaves in fall colors  Tape

1. Cut a tree shape from the craft paper and attach it to the wall. 2. Write each word (or phrase) of the verse on the leaves and tape the words of the verse to the tree in the correct order. 3. Challenge the kids to continue to repeat the verse as the tree slowly begins to lose its leaves. Autumn Be Wise Fall Ornament

A great fall or Christmas party favor and reminder to “Be Wise”.

 Ornaments in a variety of colors  Oven bake clay in a variety of colors  Craft sticks  Black pony beads  Paint pens or permanent markers  Cookie sheets  Access to an oven

1. Allow each child to choose an ornament, a variety of colors of clay, and a craft stick. 2. Use the craft sticks to form the owl chest, feet, beak, wings, and eyes out of clay. 3. Insert pony beads in the center of the clay eyes. 4. Bake according to clay instructions. 5. Using a paint pen or marker, write “Be Wise—Proverbs 8:33” on the back of the owl.

Orange Fruit Cups

A tasty, fun, and healthy treat.

 Oranges  A variety of fresh fruits  Green plastic spoons  Craft knife  Small melon scoop

1. Prep work by an adult: cut the top off the oranges to create a “lid” and scoop out the inside. Using the craft knife, cut a pumpkin face in each orange. Cut a slit in the orange lid large enough for the spoon handle to slip through. 2. Adults and/or kids can now add fruit to their orange cups and enjoy.

Taste and see the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8 Autumn Wacky Pumpkin Faces

Make funny faces on a pumpkin using magazine cut-outs.

 Pumpkin shapes in felt, foam, or paper  Magazines  Scissors  Glue sticks

1. Purchase or cut pumpkin shapes from felt, foam, or paper. 2. Look through magazines to find eyes, noses and mouths to cut out. 3. Use cut-outs to arrange silly faces. 4. When you’ve arranged the perfect silly face, glue the pieces to the pumpkin.

Photo Booth Props

Photo booth props to use at your local Fall Festival or home party.

 Search the internet for “Printable Photo Booth” props. There are many!  Wooden skewers (snip off the point)  Scissors  Tape  Cardstock  Laminator (optional)  Solid color bed sheet for photo booth

1. Print the props on cardstock using color printer. 2. Laminate the props if you want them to last a long time. 3. Cut out shapes and tape a skewer to the back of it. 4. Clip or sand the end of the skewer so that it isn’t sharp. 5. Hang the solid sheet on the wall for the photo booth. 6. Use the photo booth props and take funny pictures!

Thanksgiving Handprint Turkeys

The handprint turkey can be a great craft for you to do with your kids for Thanksgiv- ing. You can also talk about your family traditions at Thanksgiving.

· Construction Paper · Brown craft or tempera paint · Colorful feathers · Black marker · Glue

1. Paint the child’s hand with the brown paint. 2. Place her hand on the paper and make a handprint. 3. Squeeze out a dot of glue on the finger prints. 4. Put the colorful feathers on the glue. 5. Glue the eye on the thumb print. 6. Use a black marker to draw feet and a beak. 7. Add a favorite thanksgiving scripture verse along the bottom of the page.

Turkey Clip

The turkey clip can be pinned to a family member or friend and they must name something they are thankful for.

· Paper plate · Construction paper (fall colors) · Scissors · Glue · Clip · Eyes

1. Cut a quarter of the paper plate for the backing 2. Cut small strips of construction paper as feathers 3. Glue the feather strips on the paper plate 4. Glue the clip on to the paper plate. 5. Glue the eyes on the clip and draw a beak. Thanksgiving Turkey Gobbler Game

Try to get four of a kind and be the first to grab a “gobbler” from the middle of the table. If you are not the first, at least don’t be the last player without a “gobbler”. Each player collects a letter of the word “TURKEY” each time they are the last one without a “gobbler”.

 One paint stir stick for each player  Orange tempera paint  6” square of red felt  3” square of yellow felt  Glue dots  A deck of cards 1. Paint the stir stick with orange paint. Let dry. 2. Cut the turkey waddle out of red felt and the beak out of yellow felt. 3. Glue beak on the stir stick first by putting a glue dot on both corners of the beak. Press down. There will be a “hump” in the beak making it look real! Then put a glue dot on the waddle and press down on one side of the beak. 4. Play the game (like “Spoons”). Take the jokers out of the deck of cards and place gob- blers in the center of the table (one fewer than there are players). 5. Deal four cards to each player. Each player tries to make four of a kind as the dealer takes the card off the top of the deck, exchanges it for one of the cards in his hand then discards one card to his left. The next player continues in the same fashion exchanging and discarding to make four of a kind. 6. First one to make four of a kind grabs a “gobbler” and everyone quickly grabs one too. 7. Person without a “gobbler” gets a letter. Play until someone is a TURKEY!

Candy Turkey Treat

A Thanksgiving party favor that serves as a verse card holder or place card holder for the Thanksgiving table.

 6” Brown netting/tulle squares  Small google eyes  Orange and yellow chenille stems  Fall colored candy pieces  Measuring cups  Small rubber bands

1. Put 1/2 cup of candy pieces in the center of the tulle squares and pull edges together and secure with a small rubber band. 2. Use a chenille stem to make a long neck and face for the turkey. 3. Attach small eyes with glue dots and insert in the top of the tulle secured with the rubber band. 4. Create the turkey legs with the yellow chenille stems and poke through the netting. 5. Position so the turkey can sit up with the legs out in front. The verse or place cards can now rest between the turkey belly and his legs.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Philippians 4:6 Thanksgiving Turkey Cookie Treat

Kid-made cookie treats for all to enjoy.

 Chocolate dipped cookies  Chocolate dipped pretzels  Edible candy eyes  Candy corn  Melted almond bark or chocolate frosting

1. Give each child a plate with three pretzels, one cookie, one candy corn, two candy eyes, a sample cup of frosting or melted almond bark and a craft stick. 2. Place the pretzels in a triangle shape on the plate. 3. Add a little frosting to the back of the cookie and place on the pretzels. 4. Use the frosting to attach the candy corn and eyes to create the turkey face.

The LORD is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all He has made. Psalm 145:9

Thankful Turkey

A “Give Thanks” project the whole family can make together.

Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

 Brown paper plates and brown fun foam  Construction paper  Google eyes  Large clothespins (2 per project)  Glue dots, scissors and pencils

1. Each project will need 1 1/2 brown paper plates, 2 clothespins, 2 google eyes, a brown 3” fun foam circle, and a selection of construction paper. Use the glue dots to attach the paper plates to form a pocket. Attach the foam circle and decorate to create a turkey face. 2. If a family project, everyone should trace both their hands on different colored construction paper and cut them out. If a child project, they will need to trace their hands on different colors of construction paper and cut out. Attach the hand “feathers” to the back part of the plate. 3. Use the glue dots to attach the clothespins to the back of the turkey so it will stand up. 4. Use the pocket to collect notes of what family members are thankful for. Read everyone’s notes on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Word Trees

Kids love to stamp out their thoughts and ideas. Here’s a way to focus their fun on all the blessings in their lives. Because kids are sharing the alphabet stamp sets, they have a chance to practice thankfulness by saying “Thank you!” when someone hands them a letter stamp.  Alphabet stamp set (1” letters or smaller)  Fall color, washable ink, stamp pads  White cardstock  Markers for adding details  HINT: Assign certain letters to each colored ink pad—so no ink transfer mess!

1. Give each child a piece of cardstock and instruct them to draw the outline of a tree. 2. Show a sample of how they will use letters for leaves, so they should not color in the tree 3. Place various letters on each colored stamp pad. Make a rule that the letter can only be used on the colored pad by which it is sitting. 4. Kids can use the stamps to fill their tree with things for which they are thankful. 5. Thumbprints can fill in extra gaps between words. Provide wet wipes to clean fingers. 6. Add the words, “I am thankful for…” in marker and color in the trunk and background. 7. Lead a round robin prayer and let kids add to the prayer using things from their tree.

Pumpkin Dip Snack Kits

It’s a make two: keep one and share one idea! Kids will make yummy pumpkin dip out of simple ingredients and bag it with dipper pretzel sticks to say “Thank You” to some one who loves them. God doesn’t just give us things; He gives us people too!  Canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice  Whipped topping, thawed  Vanilla pudding powder  Pretzel sticks or graham cracker pieces  Baggies, 2 oz containers w/ lids  Thank you cards to attach to gifts

1. Each child can mix their own or you may create the dip as a class and divide it up. 2. Whole recipe: 16 oz. whipped topping, 15 oz. solid pack pumpkin, 5 oz. vanilla pudding powder (do not make into actual vanilla pudding), and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice. 3. Individual recipe: 2 heaping Tbsp. whipped topping, 1 heaping Tbsp. pumpkin, 1 tsp. pudding powder, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. 4. Mix well. Let kids enjoy the wonderful fall flavors of pumpkin and spice. Talk about appreciating the people in our lives and not just the things we have. 5. Make thank you cards to the person for whom we want to thank God. 6. Fill containers with dip, drop into a sealable baggie with pretzel sticks. Add your card!

Thanksgiving Jars of Thankfulness

This activity is great for a small class or an entire ministry to create a gift and show appreciation to others who serve.

 Mason jars  Twine or jute  Unbleached muslin  Assortment of candy  Scissors  Ink pad and stamps  Gift tags

1. Have the children fill the jars with candy. You can pre-select the contents that each jar is to have, or allow the children to pick what goes into them. 2. Cut a square of fabric to place over the lid of the jar. 3. Tie some twine around the jar neck to secure the fabric in place. 4. Stamp the fabric and a gift tag with your message. Ask kids to write a small note on the gift tag! 5. Allow children to deliver the gifts to their school teachers.

(Hobby and craft stores sell a variety of stamps) Turkey Puppet

Make a hand puppet. You can use your imagination and create your turkey style. This folded paper version is terrific and a cinch.

 One large sheet of brown construction paper 15” long by 10 ½” wide  Four sheets colored construction paper  Glue, Scissors & Pen  Glitter if desired

1. Choose a piece of construction paper the color you want the turkey to be. It needs to be 15” long and 10 ½” wide. Fold the paper into three equal parts so the folded paper is 3 ½” wide and 15” long. 2. Fold the paper in half, then fold the ends back so that the open ends extend about 1” beyond the center fold. 3. Draw the eyes, the tongue, the beak, and the feathers on construction paper with pencil, then cut them out. 4. Curl the feathers by wrapping the paper around your finger. Glue the feathers on the folded paper. Glue the other parts on the folded paper too. Enjoy! Gobble! Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Spinner

You can’t eat this pumpkin pie, but it’s a great reminder of what we are thankful for each day!

 Two paper plates  Brown marker or crayon  Orange paint  Gold brad  Ink pen

1. Cut out the inside of one paper plate and discard the outside ring. 2. Paint it orange and set it aside to dry. 3. Take the second paper plate and divide it into 8 sections (slices). 4. Write one thing you are thankful for on each slice. 5. Color the outer ring of the plate brown to make the pie crust. 6. Take the orange plate and attach it in the center of the other plate with the brad. 7. To complete your pumpkin pie spinner, write “I’m Thankful For….” on the center.

Turkey

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble! Let’s make some handprint & footprint turkeys.

 Google eyes (or eye stickers)  Yellow construction paper  Black marker  Orange, brown, and red paint  Cotton swab or small paintbrush  Glue

1. Paint the child’s foot brown and place the toes down on the paper. Allow to dry. 2. Paint the child’s hand red and place three handprints evenly spaced out around the heel of the footprint. 3. Paint the child’s hand orange and place three handprints in between the red ones. 4. Glue on the google eyes. 5. Dip a cotton swab in orange paint and paint a beak. Dip the other end of the Q-tip in the red paint to make the waddle. 6. Use the marker and write “Gobble, Gobble” or “Happy Thanksgiving” and your done! Christmas Christmas Story Box

Use this fun idea when you have a few extra minutes.

 Shoe box—covered or plain with a lid  Various Christmas related objects; such as a candy cane, a baby blanket, an apron, a Christmas ornament, a bell, and a shopping list

1. Fill a story box with the items you have chosen. 2. To use the box, remove an item, such as the candy cane, and say, “One day at the mall, my mom bought me a candy cane!” 3. Invite students to add to the story; then remove other items, in turn, to add new story elements.

Names of Jesus Garland

Make a pretty garland that has the names of Jesus on it. Let it remind you all season who Jesus is!

 Christmas wrapping paper or Christmas scrapbook paper  White card stock  Ribbon  Laminating paper  Hole punch

1. Cut out Christmas wrapping or scrapbooking paper to desired-sized circle. Make a total of nine. 2. Cut circles out of white cardstock that are smaller than the Christmas paper circles. 3. Print one of the following on the circles: Oh, come, let us adore Him; Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace; Jesus; Emmanuel; Son of the Most High; Glory to God in the highest. 4. Laminate. 5. Hole punch each completed circle and thread them on a Christmas ribbon to make the garland. Christmas Jesus is Born

Jesus was born in a stable.

 4 Craft sticks  Brown crayons  Construction paper  Crayons

1. Color the four craft sticks brown. 2. Glue the craft sticks on construction paper in a house shape . 3. Cut an oval shape from construction paper then glue inside the house shape. 4. Cut a circle shape from white construction paper and glue on one end of the oval. 5. Draw the face of baby Jesus.

The Manger

Jesus was born in a manger.

 Two jumbo craft sticks  Brown crayon  Construction paper (yellow, white, and blue)  Glue

1. Color and glue the two jumbo craft sticks in a “X” shape. 2. Glue the sticks onto the white construction paper. 3. Cut little strips of yellow construction paper to look like hay. 4. Glue the hay inside the manger. 5. Cut a little oval out of the blue construction paper. 6. Cut small circle out of the white construction paper and glue it on the oval. 7. Glue the oval on to the hay and draw a face on the circle. Christmas Solo Cup Ornament

Easy Christmas ornament made from something you probably already have in your kitchen! You’ll be using the oven, so have adult supervision is needed.

 Solo cups (disposable)- several colors  Permanent markers, hole punch or screwdriver to poke a hole  A baking sheet lined with foil  A glass bowl or measuring cup  Oven, set to 425 degrees  Oven mitt  A hole punch

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 2. Place a cup upside down on baking sheet. Cut rings and bottoms from other colored cups and slip over the first cup. Use permanent markers to write words and draw designs. 3. Place in oven on the foil and WATCH — it normally takes between 1-5 minutes to melt. 4. When cup has melted and is pretty flat, use oven mitt to remove pan from oven. 5. Flatten ornament further with glass bowl or cup. 6. Punch hole in the top when it is cool enough to handle. 7. Attach ribbon through hole to hang on tree.

“Gingerbread” Houses

This is great for a Christmas Eve or snowy day activity!

 Graham crackers  Hot glue gun  Canned frosting (white)  Colorful candy

1. You’ll need eight square pieces of graham cracker: four for the house, two for the roofline, and two for the roof gables. Use a butter knife to gently saw and score the cracker to make the triangle gable. 2. Hot glue the pieces to form the house (Parent should do this step—be careful!). 3. Smooth frosting over house and decorate with candies.

(You may pick off the candy and eat it, but it’s not recommended that you eat the graham cracker base after it is hot-glued.)

Christmas Christmas Tree

Make a Christmas card for your friends and family. Use colorful fun items to make someone’s day special.

 Christmas tree colors of tissue paper  One sheet of brown construction paper  One sheet of square white paper  Thinned white glue  Glitter paint  Ribbon  Lace

1. Choose some colors of tissue paper and cut into squares. 2. Fold a sheet of construction paper in half, like a book. 3. Arrange the tissue paper shapes on a small square of white paper. Paint over the shapes with thinned white glue. Brush lightly so you don’t tear the tissue papers. 4. After the glue has dried, glue the white paper to the front of the folded construction paper. Now decorate the tree with the glitter paint, ribbon, and lace. Anything extra you want to add to it will make it amazing.

Twelve Days of Christmas

An advent of family devotions and acts of kindness. Each day/night for twelve days leading up to Christmas day, families open one envelope and their child can eat the candy.  12 green envelopes per child  Gold star cut from cardstock  Poster board  Glue or tape  12 devotions or acts of kindness  Instructions  Small candies that are age appropriate  Markers, Christmas foam shapes, or stickers.  Magnets or another way to hang the display 1. Give each child 12 green envelopes that have been numbered 1-12, the 12 family devotions/acts of kindness, the star, and glue or tape. 2. Instruct the children to put the family devotion/act of kindness in the corresponding numbered envelope along with candy. 3. Allow them to decorate each envelope. 4. Glue or tape each envelope on the poster board to make the shape of a tree with the envelope labeled #12 at the top. Attach the star. 5. Put the instructions on the back of the poster. 6. Attach magnets or other form of hanger in which to display the advent calendar.

Christmas Christmas Bells

Kids can make cheerful bells for Christmas decorations.

 Paper plate  Red and green markers  Yarn  Small jingle bells  Tape, stapler, or glue  Hole punch  Stickers for decoration

1. Cut the paper plate in half. 2. Roll each half into a cone shape slightly overlapping and staple. 3. Punch a hole near the top of each cone. 4. Thread the yarn through the holes tying the cones together. 5. Tie a piece of yarn to small jingle bells and tape them to the inside of each cone. 6. Decorate as desired.

Star Ornament

This Christmas star reminds us of Jesus’s birth.

This craft is best for older children using a low temp hot glue gun.

 Five craft sticks  Hot glue gun (low temp)  Yellow paint  A black marker  Buttons or other small items for decoration (optional)  Yarn or ribbon

1. Place the craft sticks into a star shape as pictured, attaching each end with glue. 2. Paint the star. 3. Write “Christ is born”. 4. Decorate as desired. 5. Thread a piece of yarn or ribbon as a hanger. Christmas Names of Jesus Advent

Make 25 “Names of Jesus” ornaments to count down the days until Christmas. Research the many names of Jesus in the Bible and pick 25 to use for this project. Your family can discuss the meaning of the names each day.

 Air-dry clay  Plastic “stone stamp” letters from hobby store  Cookie cutter or round drinking glass.  Chenille stems or ribbon  Rolling pin (optional)  25 names of Jesus

1. Roll or pat clay into 1/4” thickness. 2. Cut clay into a circle, using a cookie cutter or drinking glass rim. 3. Stamp a different name of Jesus on each ornament. 4. Poke a hole at the top with a pencil eraser. 5. Allow clay to harden. 6. Paint if desired (pictured: the natural clay color). 7. Insert chenille stem or ribbon to use as hanger. 8. Hang one ornament on the tree each day beginning December 1. Discuss the meaning of the name with your family.

Away in a Manger

Create a manger scene in an empty Altoids tin.

 Empty Altoids tin  One ball-end wooden clothespin, cut to 1 1/2”  Markers  Raffia, glue, fabric scrap, glitter  Printout of “Away in a Manger”

1. Cut clothespin to 1 1/2” long, use the part that has the ball-end as the baby Jesus. 2. Draw a face and hair on Baby Jesus with permanent markers. 3. Wrap Baby Jesus with fabric scrap and secure with glue. 4. Print song lyrics. 5. Make a template of the inside of the lid. Lay template over lyrics and cut around template. 6. Glue the song lyrics inside the lid. Make a glue line around the edge of the song and sprinkle with glitter. 7. Place cut raffia in the bottom of the tin and lay baby Jesus in the “hay.”

Christmas Photo Ornaments

Display your favorite family pictures on your Christmas Tree!

 Clear glass or plastic ornaments from hobby store  Computer with photo software  Color printer  Vellum paper

1. Use photo software to crop pictures into a circle shape, approximately the diameter of your Christmas ornaments (this may take a few tries, so print extras). 2. Try different degrees of transparency and color until you reach the desired effect. 3. Print photos on vellum. 4. Cut the picture circle. 5. Remove the ornament top. 6. Roll the picture into a cylinder and slip it into the ornament. 7. Use a pencil or something thin like a skewer to insert into the ornament and gently unroll the picture and navigate it into place. 8. Replace the ornament top.

Photo Glitter Candles

Recycle baby food jars, used candle jars, or mason jars to make a beautiful holiday keepsake.

 Reuse any size clean glass jar  White glue or Mod Podge  1” flat paint brush (or use your finger!)  Glitter  Printed photos on white copy paper  Battery operated tea lights  Ribbon or tulle bow for added decor  Scissors

1. Spread glue on the inside of the jar. Sprinkle glitter over the wet glue. Allow to dry. 2. Cut out photo and glue to outside of jar. Spread a thin layer of glue or ModPodge over the picture. Allow it to dry. 3. Wrap ribbon or tulle around the jar, if desired, and attach a bow. 4. Insert battery operated tea light.

Christmas Christmas Tree Treat

Decorate a Christmas tree to snack on or give to a special friend.

 8” round single layer cake  White or green icing  Variety of decorating sprinkles  Small, round candy pieces  Paper plates, small sample cups  Plastic knives or craft sticks

1. Cut round cake into triangle “Christmas Tree” shapes. 2. Put sprinkles and candy pieces in separate sample cups. 3. Give each child a piece of cake, enough frosting, and a plastic knife or craft stick to completely ice their cake. 4. Distribute sample cups with “decorating” supplies to each child and allow them to decorate their Christmas tree. 5. Enjoy!

This is the day the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Light Up My Life

Jesus lights up my life! This is festive and fun and reminds us of what really matters this holiday!

 Construction paper  Glue  Assortment of paint colors  Pictures  Black marker  White paper

1. Glue a piece of white paper in the middle of a piece of construction paper and set aside (may need to cut down the white paper to fit). 2. Glue a picture onto a piece of construction paper and cut around it (framing it). 3. Glue the framed picture into the center of the white paper. 4. Take the marker and draw a black squiggly line all the way around the white paper to make the strand that the lights will go on. 5. Dip your finger into a paint color and stamp it on the paper every 1/2” to 1”. Repeat for each color to make the light bulbs. 6. To finish, take the marker and write “Jesus Lights Up My Life.” Christmas Nativity Glove Puppets

Create your own “wearable” nativity scene.

 White gloves  Variety of yarn and ribbon  Variety of felt pieces  3” white tissue paper squares  Markers  Craft glue

1. Give each child a glove and five tissue paper squares. 2. Wad each piece of tissue up and place one in the tip of each finger. 3. Use ribbon or yarn to secure tissue in place to create the head of each finger puppet. 4. Use felt, yarn, and markers to dress each of the characters.

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Initial Ornaments

Decorate your Christmas tree with wooden painted letters. Ideas: Use initials that represent family members; countries; or spell out “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Birthday Jesus.”

 Wooden or heavy cardboard letters  Variety of paint colors and markers  Mini-decorations—decorative confetti works well  Craft glue  Large paper clips or ornament hangers

1. When working with children, hot glue the ornament hanger/paper clip on the back first. 2. Choose the letters needed to create your desired project. 3. Paint each letter and allow to dry. (Markers can be used to decorate pre-painted letters.) 4. Decorate each letter with markers, paint, and small decorations. 5. Use them as a reminder to pray for your family, friends, and/or missionaries serving all over the world.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 New Book Released A Dad’s Gotta Do What a Dad’s Gotta Do

For parents and children alike, many of the fondest “school days” memories revolve around a bustling morning routine that began with a hurried breakfast, followed by loading backpacks, and culminating in the drive to school. A Dad’s Gotta Do What a Dad’s Gotta Do is the story of one seemingly ordinary dad who makes a certain Monday morning drive to school anything but ordinary for his two boys. In this beautifully illustrated book created for kids to read with their parents, author Mark Jones presents the amusing and easy-to-understand narrative of a father’s unconditional love for his children. Kids will giggle with delight, and parents are sure to be inspired to find their own special way to shout their love for their children, as they sit down together to read A Dad’s Gotta Do What a Dad’s Gotta Do.

All net proceeds benefit the adoption of children.

About the Author Mark Jones Mark enjoys laughing, teaching, and loving kids and parents at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK, where he serves as Children’s Pastor. Mark enjoys writing and leading preschool and children’s training confer- ences for church leaders across the nation.

About the Illustrator

Christa Brewer Christa is an elementary art teacher who loves serving the Lord. She and her hus- band, Beau, are adoptive parents to a beautiful little boy from Ethiopia, Africa. Christa and her family live in Fort Worth, Texas, where in her spare time she enjoys camping, drawing, and having get-togethers with family and friends.

See more at www.mrmarksclassroom.com/storybook