[V-Ice]

I know, I am thinking ahead! I'm trying to get organized in case I need to ask parents to send in supplies.

I would like to have a Christmas Tree Trimming Day this year! Does anybody have some easy ornaments that the kids could make to decorate our tree? I'm thinking of asking a few parents to come in and help, so we could have different centers set up for the kids. Any help would be great!

[canmason]

These make great easy Christmas ornaments. They really look great hanging from a tree. Here is one of many sites with directions for making. Just google for others.
http://crafts.kaboose.com/gods-eyes.html

[3rdgradequeen]

Try the Oriental Trading Crafts catalog. There are several ornaments kits you can buy for 3.99 (for 12), or you can get some ideas to make on your own.

[bucket]

I have the kids make ornaments as their present for their family. The thing I love about it is if you have an easy class you might make a few more a more difficult class a few less.

Here are some of the ones we make:

• puzzle wreath - glue puzzle pieces on a cardboard circle (I die cut the letter "O" to use as my base. After a few layers of puzzle pieces are on spray paint the wreath green. Add a red bow and glue on round jewels.
• reindeer handprint - paint child's hand with brown paint and make handprint. Cut out. The fingers are the legs and the thumb is the neck and head. Punch a hole at the top of the palm to tie a ribbon for hanging. Punch a hole on the thumb and use a brown pipe cleaner to make antlers. I like to add a picture of the child and the grade and year on the back.
• Christmas Tree - Die cut a small tree from green foam. Glue on red, green, and white sparkley pom poms to fill up the tree. Add a gold star at the top.
• Foam Snowflake Kit - I usually buy a snowflake ornament kit on sale after Christmas to use the next year. The children decorate the foam snowflakes with silver glitter glue.
• Gingerbread Men - mix applesauce and cinnamon together to make a dough. Cut out gingerbread men. Use a pencil to make a hole for the ribbon. Let air dry for 1-2 weeks. Makes the room smell yummy!
• Perler bead ornament - I don't do this one any more because it is too hard for my pre-k students. Let the children use the perler beads to fill a star, heart, circle, or square. Iron the beads when they are finished. Add a wire ornament hook.

I know we do more, but that is all I can think of off the top of my head! I love Christmas!