Baby Chick Crafts Projects: Companion Book

Learn Prepositions with Baby Chick Project

Looking for Chick Craftivities? These baby chick activities for toddlers and kindergartners are perfect companion book projects for the lift-the-flap- book, In Over and On the Farm, by Ethan Long. In need of baby chick craft ideas for Easter? This little chick is cute enough to give as an Easter card too. Enjoy!

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.

Eric Carle Surrealist Lesson Activities: The Nonsense Show Book Review

Surrealism in Children's Literature: Art Lesson Activities

Eric Carle has written and illustrated another book! The Nonsense Show is written to introduce children to Surrealism. Completely nonsensical, the beautiful illustrations will capture the heart of preschoolers while the concept will boggle the minds of everyone else. We've included a book review and Surrealist Activities for your Art Lesson planning, as well as, educational games and online lessons for homeschoolers. Enjoy!

Surrealism in Children's Literature: Art Lesson Activities.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.* 

We were given a copy of "The Nonsense Show" for review.

Eric Carle Surrealist Activities: The Nonsense Show Book Review:
Surrealist Art Lesson

Art develops critical thinking. Many beloved children's book authors have tinkered with the idea of surrealism and Crazy Surrealism Art- Think, Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, Lewis Caroll, and L. Frank Baum. So, it is no surprise that Eric Carle has joined the list. Always an artist first, the illustrations in The Nonsense Show don't disappoint. 

So, let's get started on our online lesson in Surrealism. Mati and Dada is a fun art cartoon for elementary kids. In this episode, they talk about the surrealist painter, Magritte.

The most famous Surrealist, Salvador Dali, is best known for his melting clock painting. Learn about Dali and Surrealism in the video below. The Dali video introduces a fun, group drawing game called, Exquisite Corps. Be sure to watch the full video for instructions on how to play the Art game with friends.

Art History Component. This free online Art History Game focuses on Surrealism. Recommended for (4-12th grade). It is for older children because a lot of reading comprehension is required. At first, it looks complicated, but it is essentially just a drag and drop into the timeline game. So, give it a try!

For BrainPop subscribers: Watch this movie on Surrealism.

After you review the book, The Nonsense Show, create your own nonsensical art. Below, are some fun ideas to try.

• This is an easy Surrealist art project for kids. Grab some paint or make your own water colors, make some splats with your brush, let them dry, and then study your art. What do you see? It is like looking for cloud creatures. Grab markers or colored pencils and create something surreal.

Easy Surrealist Art project for kids from Le Dada de L'enfant Terrible blog.

• Paint like Eric Carle with easy Art Techniques.

• Language Arts Component. To get into the mindset for creating surrealist art, sit down and free write. Start writing whatever pops into your head. Don't edit, don't try to make it go somewhere- just write!

• The Art Room Plant shares this fun drawing activity. It is similar to the game in the Dali video above.

Fun Surrealist drawing activity for kids from The Art Room Plant.

Recommended:

Dada and Surrealism Art for Kids

Jake's Journey in Art: Water Color Lesson

Get The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle

Preschool Bracelet Wreath Craft: Jingle Bangle Bracelet Wreath

Make a Wreath with a Bangle Bracelet

If you are looking for an easy preschool craft for the holidays, this preschool bracelet wreath craft, Jingle Bangle Bracelet, is the answer! It works fine motor skills, auditory sensory, and the sense of touch. Best of all, it is fun to make, and more fun to wear. Psst. It isn't just for preschoolers. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Preschool Bracelet Wreath Craft: Jingle Bangle Bracelet Wreath.

This versatile craft can be used as a tambourine when singing jingle bells, a Christmas Tree Ornament, door knob decoration, or an actual bracelet for kids.

It is a fun craft to do at a Retirement Village too. Choosing the colors and listening to the jingling of the bell is fun for everyone.

Preschool Craft: Jingle Bell Tambourine Wreath.

Mayhem made the tambourine above in preschool class. They used a plastic bracelet, strips of holiday quilting scraps, and a silver bell (look right, center.)

We loved the idea so much that we wanted to create our own, but we only had holiday ribbons. So we cut the ribbons in 4-6" strips.

For our ring, we purchased a door knob jingle bell decoration from dollar tree, but any bracelet will do. Our ring had a strip of bells attached to a leather strip. We cut it, leaving only one jingle bell.

Then, we simply tied our ribbons around the ring with a single knot in the center. After that, we pulled both sides of the ribbon outside the ring to form a wreath. No sew. No glue. So, easy!

If you want to make it look like a traditional wreath, use green ribbons and fabric, paint your jingle bells red, and glue or tie them onto the wreath.

Our ribbons all had texture- which gives the wreath activity a tactile, sensory element.

When your wreath is complete, gather your group together and sing a round of JINGLE BELLS with Musical Accompaniement. :)


Recommended:

Make your Own Bell to Ring in the New Year

Jingle Bell Book for Preschool




ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Happy Pharrell Williams Lyrics in His New Book: Giftable Crafts

What are the Lyrics to Happy by Pharrell Williams?

What makes you Happy? If you've heard the song, Happy by Pharrell Williams, it probably makes you happy! The song is fun and upbeat, and kids love it. So, of course, Pharell turned it into a children's book which we were given for review by Penguin Kids. We paired it with some kid made giftable picture frame crafts. Enjoy!

Happy Pharrell Williams find the Lyrics in His New Book.

The book, Happy by Pharrell Williams* is colorful and vibrant, just like the song. Children are seen dancing throughout the book. The song is reminiscent of the song, "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby Mcferin. Everytime we think of either song, we think of a happy face, better known as an emoji in today's world.

After reading the fun book for kids, we decided to make some crafts that are suitable for gift giving. Read the book with your family or class and then sit down together for some valuable bonding time while you make these easy, giftable crafts.

Giftable picture frame craft for preschool: Happy!

For Preschoolers- The picture frame above is colorful and fun- just like the story! Share a picture with your favorite person. 

To make it, purchase unstained, wooden picture frames from Michael's. Then, let your preschooler or toddler paint the frame with yellow tempra paint. Once dry, use a gluestick to stick on the pom poms and then add brightly colored circle stickers. 

It is super easy, sensory fun for toddlers, and it works fine motor skills.

Happy! Giftable Chalkboard Picture Frame.

Using another plain, wooden picture frame from Michael's, paint it with Chalkboard Paint. Then, draw happy faces and fun phrases! The background is the original store insert covered with wall paper.

Make a Picture Frame Gift Craft for the Holidays.

The picture frame above is a plastic picture frame from the Dollar Tree. With a hot glue gun, glue a ribbon to each side of the frame. Then, add mini clothespins, and attach your favorite phrase or name. It makes a fun, graduation gift when you use the word, "Congratulations!"

So, what are you waiting for? Start crafting up some kid made giftable crafts for the holidays.

Hop over to Penguin Kids' Facebook page to win your own copy!


Recommended:

Happy by Pharrell CD*

Winter Themed Children's Books







ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Handprint Turkey Craft Thanksgiving 8

8 Easy Handprint Turkeys

Looking for an easy, quick Thanksgiving activity to do with the little ones? Try a Handprint Turkey Craft for Thanksgiving. We're sharing Eight of our favorites from Kid Bloggers and Pinterest. Enjoy!

8 Easy Handprint Turkey Crafts for Thanksgiving.

• We like how this handprint turkey from Meet the Dubiens used the entire hand for the feathers. It allows for lots of fun, messy handprints!

Easy Handprint Turkey for Preschoolers from Meet the Dubiens.

• How cool is this unique handprint turkey? They are thinking outside of the box at floortjetekent blog? But, maybe their turkeys look different than ours? Turkeys don't have combs... do they?

Unique handprint turkey or is it a rooster?

• Easy Paper Footprint Turkey Craft

• Over at 123Peppy, they spruced up their colorful handprint turkey by pasting it to a plate and adding a decorative border.

Colorful handprint turkey from 123 Peppy.

• It isn't a handprint, but this footprint, turkey feather Native American Headdress is a cute activity for Thanksgiving.

• Dress your handprint turkey for the occassion, by giving him a pilgrim hat for Thanksgiving, like this one from Lonestar Knits.

Paper Handprint Turkey with Pilgrim Hat.

• These felt handprint roosters are stuffed, and they stand up. Just add a gobbler, colorful feathers, and drop the comb to make a felt handprint turkey craft. 

Make felt handprint turkeys for the Thanksgiving table.

• Mayhem designed this paper and pipecleaner turkey craft all by herself. She twisted the yellow pipecleaner into feet and then looped the orange one through the middle in the shape of a J. Then, she traced her handprint, cut it out, and attached it to the pipecleaner with hot glue. She twisted a loop in the top and hot glued the head to the orange pipecleaner.

Paper and pipecleaner handprint turkey.

To make him even more special, have your child write what they are thankful for on each feather!


Recommended:

Turkey Song for Thanksgiving

Jumbo Pack of Pipecleaners*

Edible Marshmallow Turkeys

Turkey Trouble Thanksgiving Book*

Over the River and Through the Woods Thanksgiving Poem

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Seasonal Books for Kindergarten 2015

Winter Holiday Books for Preschoolers and Kindergartners

The weather is getting colder. Children are dreaming of snow and the holiday season, and teachers and caregivers are looking for fun, new books to share with their students. These 2015 seasonal books are great for preschoolers and Kindergarten too. Enjoy!

We were given three adorable children's books for review, and they are perfect seasonal books for your little ones. One focuses on the joys of snow, one talks about Yetis, and the other focuses on Hanukkah... and Santa.

The Thing About Yetis is a perfect book for preschoolers.

The Thing About Yetis is Vin Vogel's debut book as author/illustrator. It is an adorable book about a fuzzy Yeti. What's a Yeti to do? Like children, Yetis get bored in the winter months.

If you have cabin fever, you'll need something to do to. After you read the story, grab some paper, markers, and cottonballs and make your own Yeti as a companion book project. Just grab some tracing paper and trace the picture on the book cover or let the kids freehand it.

Make a cottonball Abombinable Snowman Yeti Craft.

What's that you say? You don't have a book to trace? Well, you can get one at the library or buy one on Amazon: The Thing About Yetis*, or (if you are a resident of the U.S.) leave a comment to win your very own copy!

Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein is a cute book to teach about holiday traditions.

Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein is written by the actress, Amanda Peet and her friend, Andrea Troyer, with illustrations by Christine Davenier. This is a Santa story with a twist. Rachel Rosenstein's family doesn't celebrate Christmas. 

Published by Double Day, this picture book is full of vibrant illustrations that small children will love. It is cute, funny, and it describes some Jewish traditions. However, be prepared to explain why Santa doesn't visit all children- that can be a tricky subject. 

If you want to have a multi-cultural discussion with companion craft activities this book is a great launching point. Little Rachel runs into some friends who also don't celebrate Christmas. They celebrate Diwali and Chinese New Year. 

Recommended:

Make a Craft for Diwali

Make a Craft for Chinese New Year
Star of David Cookie Cutters*

Star of David Cookies

Max and Marla take many adventures. In this latest Peguin Young Readers picture book, by Alexandra Boiger, Max and his pet owl, Marla, are hopeful Olympians. The limited palette illustrations are primarily beautiful shades of blue that don't even need words. Children of all ages will enjoy the story, but the target audience is for preschoolers ages 3-5.

Life is always about the journey, not the destination!

Winter Holiday Books for Preschoolers.

Recommended:

Owl Crafts for Kids
Make a Snowman Craft for Preschoolers
Craft Snow*
How to Make Fake Snow
Mariah Carey Christmas Book Review

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

10 Fall Play Date Ideas

Keep Busy with Fun, Fall Play Date Ideas

It is fall, y'all. Fall is our favorite season of the year. No matter the season, we make time to get outside and play every day. Are you stuck inside? Bored? Get out and try some of these Fall Play Date Ideas. Enjoy!

Fall play date ideas don't have to be fancy... Just play!

The Voice of Play is an education and advocacy initiative of the non-profit membership association, IPEMA, formed to educate and promote the benefits of children’s free outdoor play and playgrounds. They encourage the scientifically proven physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of play.

Outdoor play is free! Once a week, we visit a different local park and have unstructured play dates with a local homeschool group.

We are fortunate in that we have been able to live our dream life on a beautifully wooded, five-acre property. Everyday, we go for a walk, visit the fish and ducks on our pond, take a paddle boat ride, check out the creatures of the creek, and just play in the yard.

The best part about fall, of course, is the changing leaves. What fun to scoop some up and let them flow through the air! Rake up a pile and jump. It is simple. It is sensory. And, it couldn't be more fun if it cost money.

We wanted to share some pictures of how we play at home. For more fall play date ideas, keep scrolling down.

Little ones enjoy the sensory aspect of leaves. They crunch, they crumble, and crack.

She made the leaves disappear!

What happens when you put a leaf on a slide? Play = Preschool Science.

Go on a hike to collect leaves for a science project.

Hide and seek is always a hit.

Climbing trees is cool too.

Monkey see. Monkey do.

I dub the Sir Fall.

Raking leaves is good exercise.

Leaves = Happy Kid.

We need to build a tree house.

• Play Disc Golf with your Trees
• Play Date Ideas for Preschoolers
• Ideas for Nature Based Circle Time
• Pirate Pretend Play
• Outdoor Play Date Ideas
• Visit an Apple Orchard with Friends
• Cold Weather Play Date Ideas for Toddlers
• Play with Shaving Cream Outdoors
• Outdoor Play Ideas
• Go for a Hike and Pretend you are Secret Investigators

*This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play. All words and opinions are my own.  #YearRoundPlay 

Recommended:

Outdoor Geometric Dome Climber*

The Pumpkin Book by Gail Gibbons*

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Chitika, Google Adsense, Sverve, Izea, and Social Spark ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Owl Halloween Paper Crafts

Cute Paper Crafts for Halloween with Owls

We just discovered Whisker Graphics. They are a cute, online craft store. While we were perusing the "aisles", we found free owl print outs for cupcakes and bag decorating. This creator of Divine Twine™  offers lots of cute, Halloween Paper Crafts on Sale. We picked out some of our favorite items. Scroll down for the Free Printable Owl Labels and Invitations. Enjoy!

These Chevron Bitty Bags™ come in all colors. What a fun way to customize your Halloween goody bags for trick or treaters. You can add cute tags too. Best of all, these bags are food safe, biodegradable, and recyclable!

Chevron Halloween Trick or Treat Goody Bags.

Don't miss out on this Halloween Special. It includes tags, bags, papers, Divine Twine™, and more. Check here for more details: Halloween Paper Crafts. You can create personalized invitations and adorable wrapped packages with this kit.

Halloween Paper Crafts Kit available at Whisker Graphics.

Here's the best part, you can get these adorable owl printables for FREE! Just hop over here: Cute Owl Print Outs, and download the PDF. They are fully customizable too! How fun is that?

Printable Owl Labels and Invitations.

There's a bonus Halloween Printable on the Skip to My Lou blog.

Recommended:

Owl Crafts

Cute Baby Owl Costume*

Owl Food Craft for Preschoolers



ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Blogvertise, The Blogger Network, Chitika, Google Adsense, and Social Spark ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Grands!® Halloween Recipe Easy Edible Art Bento

Grands!® Biscuits Easy Recipes for Halloween

Halloween is our favorite time of year! We love carving pumpkins and creating fun, edible art or Bento lunches with a Halloween, holiday theme. So, when Pillsbury Grands!® asked us to come up with a Halloween recipe, we were happy to oblige. Enjoy!

Hooty owl biscuits for Halloween.

The Hooty Owls are our favorite Halloween biscuits. Before baking, we made a slice in each side of the biscuit and pulled them out to look like wings. Then, we cut a sausage triangle for a nose. Snack pepperoni makes perfect owl eyes. Bake according to package directions.

Grands!® Halloween Recipe Easy Edible Art Bento.

This easy Grands!® Bisuit Halloween recipe is fun for toddlers or preschoolers to make, and it makes a great after school snack for elementary age students. They can choose their favorite Halloween character. We made Jack-o-lanterns, Jack the Pumpkin King, creepy monsters, and little hooty owls!

Creepy monster Halloween biscuit with pepperoni and sausage.

For this creepy monster, we sliced the pepperonis in half. Then, we sliced the sausage lengthwise cutting out pieces for a long nose and two eyes. Just push into the raw dough. They will bake in place.

Below, we made Jack the Pumpkin King with just sliced sausages. As you can see, these are easy for little ones to make. Just pre-cut the meats for them, and let them stick into the biscuit for some sensory, fine motor skill practice.

Skeleton biscuit is easy edible art for Halloween.

Easy Jack-o-lantern pumpkin biscuit is fun to make for Halloween.

Owl edible art craft for preschoolers or toddlers.

Cute, baby owl edible craft for Halloween.

Grands!® Halloween Recipe Easy Edible Art Bento ideas.

You can share our photos with the kids to inspire them, but let them make their own edible creations.

• Set out several small cups, each with a different ingredient.
• Remember, pepperoni, sausage, hotdogs, Zucchinni, Summer Squash, and peppers work best.
• Give each child a paper plate with a raw biscuit.
• Let them create!
• Bake according to package directions.
• Enjoy with milk or apple juice for a fun snack.

Grands!® Biscuits Easy Recipe for Halloween.

Be sure to share your creations with us! We love to see your creative ideas.

Recommended:

Cool Lunchbox Ideas

Owl Paper Crafts for Halloween

Halloween Cupcake Pans*

Plan a Make Believe Bakery Companion Activity




*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pillsbury. The opinions and text are all mine.

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Chitika, Google Adsense, and Social Spark ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)