Literacy is most commonly defined as the ability to read, spell and communicate through written language. However, in a more general sense, literacy is more than just the ability to read or write. It means being able to view, listen, read, comprehend, evaluate, speak, and write effectively and systematically.

Incorporating some of the  following language art activities into your School Age Classroom and After School Programs will help youth approach reading and writing as fun and exciting activities. Children use reading to learn about a wide range of subjects, and they use writing to share their own ideas. Activities such as these will help stretch imagination and stimulates interests. It is one of the most important skills a person can have! How skillfully and successfully children develop their reading skills and grow towards literacy may influence their beliefs about their personal worth and abilities for a lifetime!

Because literacy develops along a personal continuum, same-age children may display varying levels of skills.  Because of this, plan activities that are adaptable for all levels within mixed ages programs!

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LANGUAGE ARTS MENU

  • For all linked 'Creative Literacy' pages (excluding Pre-K) Click Here     

 • Pre-K to Grade 1 Ideas & Activities (Four pages linked together)

• Literacy: Games and Creative Story Telling

•  Literacy with Games, Music, Jokes and Twisters!

 • Literacy Based Gifts for Kids to Make

• Something Different with Literacy: Cooking; Build a Theme around a Book; Word of the Day; Survivor and More!

• Literacy Games for a Theme, Season or Holiday

• Writing and Language Center Ideas

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Also on this site for 'Literacy Based' Activities is...

• Drama and Drama Games
• Drama and Music Center Ideas/Supplies/Materials
• Good Books for all Ages! Many Topics! Pre-School to Adult
• Tongue Twister Fun and Games
• A Large Variety of Jokes
• Riddles/Trick Questions
• Knock-Knock Jokes

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All Drama Links at bottom of this page...

ACTING IS PRETENDING

...Whether it’s Shakespeare, a Nursery Rhyme or in your Dramatic Play Center!

 

All children are born actors! Observe the games they play; look at the many roles each child will play, without inhibitions. Be aware of their naturally focused energy and concentration on an objective.

Do you remember back to your days playing ‘Cowboys and Indians’, ‘Power Rangers’ or ‘house’? It’s still the same for kids today!!! Think about puppets, dolls, action figures, finger play and masks…about themes, Halloween, costumes and dress-up … it’s all drama.

Don’t be afraid to include it in your program or classroom; it’s fun and kids love it!!!

When presenting drama through experimentation, we reinforce the sense of wonder and magic that is part of being a child. Children in drama should be comfortable. There should be no, “How do I look?" "Where do I stand?" "How do I sound?" "What if I make a mistake?" Each attempt, successful or otherwise--is a step toward creativity and learning about life.

Gear drama in your classrooms and programs with improvising and experimentation; nurture young children to trust their natural instinct. Children have the ability to act and react honestly and naturally; that is what we should constantly reinforce. Rather than providing a performance for an audience, these drama activities are focused more on developing the personality of children!

This is a great resource for your Drama Club or just for fun! During your Drama Activities, explore the following ideas...in addition to preparing a production of Readers' Theater, a play, skit or puppet show!

This category has four sections, You can scroll through all or click on the link you'd like. It's advisable to read the 'tips' on the Pantomime page.

1.)  The Different Types of Drama click here

2.)  Pantomine, Tips and Games

3.)  Improv Games and Exercises

4.) A Variety of Drama Games/Activities

If you're interested in Costumes or Make Up Ideas-click here

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Page 1 Updated March 2013

ART...

 

JELLY BEAN PAINTING

Materials: Jellybeans, paint, paper, tape, a box
 
Directions: Place a piece of paper in a box. Take the tape and roll a piece over on itself; place it on the back of the paper to keep the paper secure in the box...

Add small amounts of paint in each corner. Place a few jellybeans in the box and have the children move the box so that the jellybeans will roll through the paint and create an abstract design "work of art..." 
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GLOSSY EGG DECORATIONS

Trace an 'Egg pattern template' onto white construction paper; have children cut them out. In four separate bowls divide a can of condensed milk; add a few drops of food coloring in each bowl--One color per bowl. Paint the eggs with the condensed milk paint. Let them dry.

When art is dry the eggs will have a glossy appearance. Use the eggs to decorate the room.
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AN 'AFTER-EASTER' EGG SHELL COLLAGE...

Ask all you know to save the dyed shells from the Easter eggs! When Easter is over, you'll have the most important material for this project!

Need: Egg shells, Glue, paper, and water-color paint.
Glue shells onto a piece of paper. When the glue dries, paint over it with water colors...
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MAKE WRAPPING PAPER and More...

PAPER #1
Place Easter shaped cookie cutters in paint.
Cover a blank piece of paper with the cookie cutter shapes.
Is is it an art project or wrapping paper? Your choice!

Paper #2

Mix a variety of food coloring with water in a spray bottles.
With the variety of colors, Spray water on a large sheet of paper.

There are several ways the dried paper can be used.
   • Wrapping paper
   • Trace egg shaped templates to make decorations or cards.
   •  Background on an Easter or Spring time display board.

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FOOTPRINT EASTER CARD

Make a print of each child's foot using yellow paint. With an orange marker, add an orange beak where the BALL OF THE FOOT is... Add brown stick feet where the toes are . Glue onto a piece of folded 8 1/2 x 11 paper or construction paper. Write "Happy Easter" on the front--with a message or poem on the inside.
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 PAINTING WITH "PEEPS"...

1. Cut out large "chick shapes" from white paper. Put tempera paint (white, yellow, orange, black) in containers and then use REAL candy "Peeps" to apply the paint---in a sponge like effect.

2. The head makes a good grip for the bottom when the chick's bottom is dipped in paint...

3. Extra fun! Have "Peeps" as a treat too! If you're concerned about younger children taking a bite during the painting, you can use vanilla pudding with food coloring to paint!
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TWO PROJECTS IN ONE!
COLOR AN EASTER EGG AND MAKE WINDOW ART

  • Put a sheet of wax paper in the bottom of a good size box. Add a few spoonfuls of various colors of paint (child's choice of color) 
  • Place hard-boiled egg(s) in box and roll--the same way as in marble painting. It's a fun way to color eggs... and...
the paint results on the wax paper look like a stained glass picture! You can frame the wax paper in construction paper and hang it in a window.
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CRACKED EGG SHELL EASTER CARD 
    • Colored pieces of egg shells 
    • Pink Construction paper  
    • White cardstock or construction paper 
    • Glue 
    • Pencil 
    • Scissors 
    • Markers, crayons, and colored pencils

1. Draw the shape of an egg on the colored construction paper.
2. Put a coating of glue on the construction paper egg.
3. Glue pieces of crushed egg shells on the paper, keeping the colored side up and let it dry.
4. Take the construction paper and cut a piece of it twice the width of the egg and slightly taller than the egg.
5. Fold up the paper in half and paste the mosaic egg on front of it.
Write an Easter message on the card.
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FACE PAINTING... PAINT A BUNNY FACE

  • Children love to have their faces painted. 
  • Here's an easy way to turn children into Peter Cottontail's helper: Draw an upside-down triangle on the child's nose with the brush from brown or black liquid eyeliner or face-paint.  Fill in completely. Rub a circle of rouge on each cheek. Paint three whiskers with the eyeliner or paint on each side of the face, starting from the nose and extending across the cheek. 
  • Allow to dry. 
  • This bunny face comes off in a flash using makeup remover pads or soap and water.
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'TIE DYE' EASTER EGGS
Materials: Paint or Washable Markers, Coffee Filters, Spray Bottles

1. Cut coffee filters in the shape of Easter eggs and give each child a spray bottle with different colors of water in them.
2. Have the children spray the coffee filter until it's completely soaked. Dry...
3. You can also have children decorate egg shaped filters with markers and spray with regular water.
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THUMB PRINT EASTER BASKETS
Materials: Picture of an Easter Basket, Paint, and children's thumbs.

Draw or down-load a simple picture of an empty Easter basket. Put a variety of paints in shallow dishes and let the kids dip there thumbs and make Easter eggs in the basket!
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CRAFTS...

BUNNY IN THE GRASS POT
Items Needed:
Grass seed, potting soil, pot or cup, wide craft stick, white paint, markers, pink felt, misc. craft items such as fishing line (whiskers) pipe cleaners, pom poms, press on eyes, or googly eyes.

1. Have children place the potting soil in the pot, and sprinkle with grass seed.
2. Place a little more soil to cover; water the soil.
3. Next have the children paint their craft sticks white; when they are dry, decorate them like bunnies. Cut the felt into ears, put on eyes, nose, and whiskers.
4. Insert the stick into the grass pot and place it in a sunny window.
5. In a few days your bunny will be sitting in the grass.

SECRET MESSAGE EASTER EGGS-A surprise Easter Gift!

    • Secret Message Easter Eggs are easy, different and lots of fun for children and adults alike. Start with one blown egg (CLICK HERE - (directions are towards the bottom of the page) to learn how. After having a clean, blown-out egg, brush with a thin coating of craft glue. Sprinkle with clear, silver, gold or colored glitter and allow the egg to dry.

    • Cut out a 2-inch-by-2-inch square of airmail or tracing paper. Write a small fortune, note, poem or promise to perform a certain task or chore on the paper and roll up tightly. Slip into the larger hole at the bottom of the egg. Cover the hole with a sparkly sequin, sticker or bead. The recipient cracks the egg to discover the message.

   • Can't bear to crack your creation? When you insert the message, leave a little bit of it exposed so it can be pulled out without destroying the egg.

EASTER EGG SUN CATCHERS
Materials:
Clear contact paper
Pastel-colored tissue paper
Scissors
1. Cut out two small, rectangular pieces of contact paper.
2. Have children tear the tissue paper into small bits.
3. Peel off the backing of one of the pieces of contact paper. Have children stick pieces of tissue paper to it.
4. When it is filled, cover it with the second piece of contact paper.
5. Smooth it out, and then cut it into the shape of an egg. (Make a template pattern of an egg to trace) Hang them in the window...

You can make sun catchers to fit any theme you like: Hearts for Valentine's Day, flowers for spring, etc.
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RABBIT BAG
Need: White paper bag, tape, ribbon, wiggle eyes, and a pom pom
Directions: 
    • Take a paper bag (Preferably white). 
    • Tape the bag closed-- about one third of the way up. 
    • To make bunny ears, cut a slit down the middle of the bag to where you have it taped. 
    • Round the corners of the ears and poke 2 holes near the top of EACH ear. These are to put ribbon through to make the "inner ear". 
    • Decorate with 2 large pom poms for the cheeks and one for the nose. Use 2 large wiggle eyes. Use string or ribbon for the whiskers.
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BUNNY OR CHICK JARS Try this craft from Making Friends  It can be adaptd to just about any animal or holday theme!

1. Remove the label from a clean baby food jar.  Fill the jar with pompoms to match your animal's face. Put the lid on and turn it upside down.
2. Glue on wiggle eyes.
3. Cut ears (or beak) out of foam and glue in place.
4. Add pompoms if desired.
5. For whiskers, cut pieces of craft lace and glue one end under pompom nose.
6. Cut a strip of craft foam 1/4" wide and glue around edge of lid. Original idea from Lisa  Anniston, Alabama

 
RABBIT MASK
Materials:
Paper plate,
Pink or black paper(a small quantity for the nose and ears)
Cardboard
Cotton balls

1. To make the ears, cut out oval shapes from the cardboard. 
2. Next, cut out the nose from the colored paper. You can also cut triangles of pink paper to make the inside of the bunny's ear.
3. Cut two holes in the paper plate for eyes.
4. Paste on the ears,(you can put straws behind the ears to make them stay upright) eyes and nose.
5. Cover the face with glue cotton balls--to make the bunny look soft.
Bunny mask is now complete!
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RABBIT EARS
Materials: Constructions paper and straws 
    • Make rabbit-ear template shapes.
    • Have the children trace and cut them out of construction paper...(if children are young, pre-cut for them) 
    • Glue them to a paper head band. 
    • Add straws to the back of the ears so they will stay upright.
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'LUNCH BAG' BIRD NEST

1. Take a small brown lunch sack and roll it from the top all the way down to make a perfect birds nest.
2. Have children collect twigs, grass, etc. from the outside and put in their nests. OR...
3. You can put in Easter grass and jelly beans with a pipe cleaner handle to use it as a small Easter basket.
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MINI EASTER BASKETS
Materials:
Margarine container
Hole punch
Pipe cleaners
Glue
Fabric, and ribbon (Other decorations as desired)
Easter grass and goodies

Directions: Wash and dry a margarine container.
1. Punch a hole on both sides of container - near the top.
2. Wrap 2 pipe cleaners around each other and insert each end into a hole and twist the ends together for the handle.
3. Decorate the "basket" as desired.
4. Glue fabric, tissue paper, or wrapping paper and ribbon to outside of container.
5. Decorate the handle with ribbon and a bow. Add some Easter grass and fill the basket with treats!
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BERRY CONTAINER BASKET

  • Make a Easter basket from a plastic BERRY container...Weave pretty colored ribbon or yarn through the open spaces around the container and glue the ends together. 
  • Use pipe cleaners or heavy cardboard for the handles. 
  • Have the children put an egg that they colored themselves into the basket--along with some Easter grass and jelly beans.
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BABY FOOD JAR BUNNY  (Different than above)

You'll Need: Baby food jar, glue, cotton balls, Wiggly Eyes, one big pom-pom, one small pom-pom, white or pink pipe cleaner,
Acrylic paint - white or pink

  1. Paint the jar lid with acrylic paint and let it dry while you make the rest of the bunny.
  2. Cover the baby food jar with cotton balls.
  3. On the cotton-ball covered jar-attach the eyes, small pom pom for the nose and the big one for the tail.
  4. Shape the pipe cleaner into bunny ears and hot glue the ears to the lid.
  5.Place one last piece of cotton in between the ears.
  6. For a small gift or party favor, fill the jar with jelly beans.
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PAPER EASTER BUNNIES
Materials:
1 large white paper plate, 1 small white paper plate, white or pink construction paper, google eyes, 3 pink chenille stems, red or pink marker, 2 or 3 cotton balls, white glue, stapler

1. Staple the plates together, the small one as the head and the larger as the body.
2. Cut two large oval shaped ears from the construction paper.
3. Staple or glue them to the back of the small paper plate. Glue on the eyes and a small pink triangle makes the nose.
4. Cut the chenille stems in half and glue three to either side of the nose for whiskers.
5. Use the marker to draw on a mouth.
6. Attach two or three cotton balls to the back of the bunny to make a tail.
7. The children make want to add a hair bow or bow tie to dress up their bunny!

TIP: chenille stems can be difficult to secure with white glue, you can use a hole punch to insert the whiskers...
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COFFEE FILTER EGG
Need: Coffee Filter, Food Coloring, Straws 
    • Cut the coffee filter into an oval, egg shape. 
    • Measure  about 1/4 cup of water into a container. Add a few drops of food coloring at a time into the water until you get the desired color. 
    • Repeat this for as many different colors you want. 
    • Once your colors are mixed, you can use the straw to add colors to your egg shape.

Dip a straw into the desired color. Cover the end of your straw with your finger so the colored water stays in it. Move the straw to your filter and hold it over the area you want colored. Remove your finger from the end of the straw and the colored water will run onto the egg! Repeat this for as many colors as you want to use.
When finished - dry the eggs...
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TWO EASTER HATS

#1 BONNET
You'll need: Poster Board, Tissue paper and other decorative items (buttons, lace, ribbon etc.)
  1. Cut a large circle from the poster board-about 18 inches in diameter.
  2. Cut another hole in the middle of the circle, big enough to fit around
the child's head. It should look like a donut.
  3. Next... Using craft glue or a glue gun, add decorations to the rim of the hat.
  4. Use a hole punch to add the ribbon tie.

#2 PAPER PLATE BONNET
You'll need: Paper plate, ribbon, hole punch, glue, supplies to decorate the hat such as lace, bows, ribbons, beads, costume jewelry, pipe cleaners, feathers, felt, crayons, poster paint
  1. Make two holes in the rim of the plate before decorating. The holes should be opposite one another.
  2. Lace 10" pieces of ribbon into the holes. When tied, these will secure the hat.
  3. Now have fun decorating the hats...
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EASTER EGG DOLL
Materials :
Blown out egg shell,(Direction Here) Paint, Paper cupcake liners, Wide ribbon, Cardboard tube, Tape or glue, Scissors
Paint the face of the doll in the in the blown out eggshell.
1. Fold the paper muffin cup in half -- to make the Easter bonnet for the doll.
2. Use the ribbon to tie the bonnet properly on the Easter egg face. You can also use glue or tape to attach the ribbon or yarn, to set the bonnet in its right position.
3. To make the body, take about 4 to 5 muffin cups and cut their centers.
4. Take the cardboard tube and use glue to place the cups upside down on it. To make the tiered skirt of the doll, let the muffin cups overlap the last one.
5. Glue the egg doll face on the topside of the cardboard tube to complete the Easter egg doll.

 

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EASTER PLACEMATS
Although one can shop for Easter placemats, self-made and personalized placemats can create an ambiance of warmth and hospitality.

Materials : 
• Cardboard/Card-stock paper or construction paper 
• Glue 
• Contact paper 
• Easter cards 
• Photos 
• Pictures

 
1. Take parts of Easter cards, photos or pictures and cut them into different shapes.
2. Using glue, paste the cut out pictures on the cardboard to create a collage.
3. Laminate the collage using contact paper.
4. Write an Easter greeting message to lend a personal touch to the placemat.

You could also make something like the above place mat at First Palette.

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GIANT BALLOON EGG

• Inflate and tie a small balloon for each child. 
• Make a thin glue and water mixture, and have the children "paint" sections of the balloon and then lay squares of tissue paper down flat onto the glue. 
• The tissue should overlap and cover the entire balloon. Let it dry on wax paper, or hang to dry from the knotted end of the balloon over newspaper. 
• When the balloon is completely dry, use scissors to cut a small slit in the balloon neck. The balloon will deflate, leaving a beautiful, hollow tissue paper "egg". 
• For a  gift, these may be filled with lightweight candies, and then sealed with one more square of tissue.
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DECORATED EGGS
Need: Legg's eggs, a plastic Easter egg, or small blown up balloon; Masking tape, Glue, Brushes, and Colored tissue paper.

Directions: Put tape around the seam of Legg's eggs or plastic egg.
1. Brush slightly watered-down glue all over the egg.
2. Place different colored tissue paper pieces onto the glue.
3. Have children dip their fingers into some glue to sure all paper edges are down.

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EASTER THEMED SNACKS!

CHICKEN EASTER FEED
Make a bowl of Chicken Feed by tossing together crisp, crunchy shoestring potatoes, salted corn nuts, shelled sunflower seeds and pistachios, dried blueberries and unsweetened coconut flakes for a crunchy, nutty treat.
(Leave out whatever you don't like)
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EASTER BASKET CUPCAKES

1. Prepare cupcakes and frost with cream cheese frosting, white or yellow colored frosting.
2. Create green Easter "grass" by placing shredded coconut and a few drops of liquid green food coloring in a re-sealable plastic bag.
3. Mix the food coloring into the coconut until it is evenly distributed and the coconut is green.
4. Sprinkle the coconut over the iced cupcakes.
5. Insert one end of a red licorice whip into the cupcake, then bend and insert the other end of the licorice into the opposite side of the cupcake to form a basket handle.
6. Top cupcake with a few jelly bean "eggs" and they're ready to serve.
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ANOTHER CUTE IDEA~ EASTER CHICK CUPCAKES

Make or purchase white frosted cucakes...Place coconut in resealable food-storage plastic bag. Add about 8 drops yellow liquid food color; seal bag and shake to mix. Frost cupcakes with white frosting. Top with yellow coconut. For eyes, add brown baking bits. Cut orange gumdrops to resemble beaks; place on cupcakes. Source: Betty Crocker.com

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PEBBLES CEREAL EASTER NESTS
Makes 12 nests
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups miniature marshmallows
4 cups Post Fruity Pebbles or Trix cereal
Coconut flakes
Assorted candies

   • Microwave butter in large microwavable bowl on high for 30 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes, stirring after 45 seconds. 
   • Add cereal; toss lightly to coat well. 
   • Press firmly into lightly greased muffin pans to form 12 nest; cool. 
   • Fill nest with coconut (you can tint coconut, if desired) and candies. 
   • Note: lightly spray your hands with no stick cooking spray to prevent cereal mixture from sticking and to make it easy to press the mixture into muffin pans.
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TWO EDIBLE BUNNY SALADS
#1 Ingredients:
Pear halves
Raisins
Miniature marshmallows or cottage cheese
Lettuce
Apple slices or Almonds

  • Place a lettuce leaf on a plate. 
  • Put the pear half on lettuce for the body. 
  • Insert raisins for the eyes and nose. 
  • The ears are made from apples slices or almonds;a miniature marshmallow or cottage cheese become the bushy tail.   Source: amazingmoms.com

EASTER BUNNY SALAD #2

Lettuce
Cottage cheese
1 can of pear halves
Celery stick
Raisins
1 Red Grapes

1. Place leaves of lettuce on a salad plate.
2. Use Ice cream scoop and place cottage cheese on top of the lettuce.
3. Use 1 canned pear half and place on top of cottage cheese.
4. Use thin slices of celery for whiskers.
5. Place the raisins where the eyes should be.
6. Use a grape for the nose.
7. Cut the remaining pear in half to create the ears.
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EASTER BIRD'S NESTS
1/3c. butterscotch morsels
1c.chow-mein noodles
Candy robin's eggs

1. Melt butterscotch morsels in a medium microwave safe bowl.
2. Add chow-mein noodles to melted morsels and mix.
3. Shape into a circle on wax paper. Use a large spoon  to make indention in center.
4. Let nests harden and then add jelly beans or chocolate eggs.

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#2 CHOCOLATE BIRD NESTS

Make the above version, but instead of butterscotch chips, use chocolate chips! (Image by KidActivities.net)

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NEST SNACK IDEA #3 
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of brown sugar. Boil and stir for one minute. Add a 3 oz. can of chow mein noodles. Put the mixture in 12 paper baking cups in a muffin tin. Use your thumb to press noodles into the nest while still warm. DO NOT BAKE. Give children jelly bean eggs to put in their nests.

 

#4 COCONUT MACAROON NESTS

Ingredients:
 •16 ounces shredded coconut
 •1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
 •2 teaspoons vanilla extract
 •Jelly beans or candy Robin Eggs

Directions:
Mix first three ingredients together. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto generously greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes. Cool coconut macaroons slightly; remove to rack. Once cooled, place candy Robin Eggs or jelly beans on top of coconut 'nests'. This makes about 4 dozen coconut macaroons.

Tip: Parchment paper or a well greased pan works best to put on the cookie tray. Then make very small roughly round balls and place on the tray. Press your thumb in the middle to make the “nest”.  These spread out in the oven, so don’t press too hard or make them too big.

Cooking time is dependent on the size of your “nests”. Bigger nests requite more time in the oven.
Annie at "No Fuss" recommends about that tablespoon size will fit 3  mini egg candies...or one large Cadbury egg.

Watch in the oven with the light on till coconut tips are barely golden.  ♥ This idea and photo is  courtey of No Fuss Fabulous! 

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PEANUT BUTTER RICE-KRISPY BUNNY CAKE
This recipe is from Jif Peanut Butter. The kids will love this for Easter!
Ingredients:
   • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
   • 2-10oz packages of marshmallows
   • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
   • 10 cups crisp rice cereal
   • Non-stick cooking spray
   • Jelly beans, licorice gum drops, or decorative candy
   • Glaze (optional)
   • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
   • 2 tablespoons milk
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla
   • 2 1/2 cups sifted powder sugar
   • Makes 16 servings.

1. In large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows. Stir until completely melted and remove from heat.
2. Stir in peanut butter and mix well to incorporate.
3. Add rice crisp cereal and stir until well coated.
4. Press into two 9-inch pans, well coated with cooking spray and allow to cool.
5. Cut ears and bow tie from one cake. This is done by cutting two football shaped ears from the top and bottom of one cake layer, leaving a bow tie-shaped piece in the middle.
6. Position two ears at top of whole round cake and place bow tie under face.
7. Apply optional glaze, if desired. Decorate with jelly beans, marshmallows, licorice, and gum drops or any of your favorite cake decorations.

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 RAW EGG ON TOAST (The egg is a peach half!)

 

Ingredients for one serving...
1 slice poundcake
1/2 peach
Reddi-Whip topping
Directions:
Put slice of pound cake on plate.
Place peach half on top-- round side up.
Add whip cream around peach and serve.
It looks like a raw egg on toast!

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 THE EASTER BUNNY'S CARROT

 This snack only takes two steps:
1. First take  Wilton's Disposable 12 inch Decorating Bags (or something simiar) and fill them with whole wheat gold fish or your favorite orange colored cheese crackers.
2.  Gather the top and tie with green ric-rac, ribbon, or yarn.

These crackers are much more nutritious than jellybeans, but the effect is just as cute! This is idea is great as a gift to take home or to make up ahead and serve then at your program Spring/Easter celebration! Photo and idea is thanks to No Fuss Fabulous!

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PEEP NEST PANCAKES

Make pancakes...

In the center of the pancakes make a nest shape with whipped cream.
Place a marshmallow chicken peep, jelly eggs or melon balls in the middle of the nest.

When these were served, KidActivities poured a little warm syrup on the pancake before putting on the nest of whipped cream. Optional 'sprinkles' were also added. All thought they were not only fun but tasted great! ( Image by KidActivities.net)

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Click here for complete Easter Themed Art, Crafts, Snacks, Games, Jokes, Easter Egg Ideas and more...

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 Page 2

GAMES...

JELLY BEAN GAME
Required: Container, 2-3 pkgs. of JELLY BEANS (depending on number of kids and tables playing), score sheet, paper and pencil
Players: Small to large groups

1. Find a deep, clean, non-see-through container to pour in several bags of JELLY BEANS.

2. Make a point chart on paper or blackboard for the different colored jelly-beans. An example is- 
     •Purple 5 pts
     •Green 10 pts
     •Yellow 20 pts
     •Orange 25 pts
     •Red 30 pts

3. Divide into teams and have one person at a time from each team, draw out a jelly-bean. The team is awarded the points for the color that is pulled out.

4. The drawer gets to eat the jelly-bean. The first team to reach 500 pts is the winner.

TIPS:
You can use any kind of candy that has MANY COLORS
(Skittles, etc.) this is also a great transition activity or to get the group to quiet down!

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BUNNY BUZZ GAME
To Play:
  1. All players sit in a circle.
  2. Players take turns quickly counting off numbers in turn: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7... 
  3. When the number seven is reached, that player must say, "I love the Easter Bunny", instead of seven. 
  4. When the child fails to do so and says seven, the child is out of the game.
  5. The game continues until only one player is left to be declared the winner.

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EGG ROLLING 
    •For an egg roll, you must have some sort of incline, preferable a hill. 
    •The Egg Roll is basically a race,the eggs are rolled down the hill and the one that reaches the bottom first, wins. 
    •Steep hills make great races, but slow climbing.

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EGG AND SPOON RACES 
    •Eggs (real or plastic), spoons and an area to run are all you need for this game. 
    •Variations could include relays and obstacle courses. 
    •To make it easy for younger kids, place something on the spoon to make the egg stick. 
    •YOU CAN ALSO USE MARSHMALLOW CHICKS...

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NOSY EGG ROLL
The kids roll the eggs (PLASTIC OR REAL) using only their noses. The first one over the finish line wins...

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EASTER BUNNY TAG
Played the same way as tag except that everyone must hop (if you do anything but hop then you're automatically it.

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EASTER EGG MATCH UP
    •Gather a large amount of different colored plastic eggs. 
    •Separate the eggs and hide each half in a different place. 
    •The children must match up their egg half to the hidden half to play the game. When children have found their half--encourage them to help those that are still searching. All get a prize for playing. 
    •If you have more kids than colors-number the egg halves. Example-If you have 10 blue eggs-write egg 1, egg 2, egg 3, etc. on BOTH halves...

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CARDBOARD EGG HOP
    •Draw and cut out two large cardboard eggs for each team. 
    •Decorate them with paint, markers, or crayons. 
    •Have each player choose a partner and give each pair of players two eggs.

To play:
1. In each pair, there is a hopper and a helper. Starting at one end of the room, the helper places an egg on the floor in front 2. of the hopper, who hops onto it with both feet.
3. The helper then places the other egg a little way ahead and the hopper jumps onto it.
4. This continues until the pair gets to the end of the room. Now players change roles. The first pair back to the starting line wins.

This can be played as a relay. When one couple returns, the next two people in line continue! Also when young children play this-----just play and hop! Forget the competition!

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BUNNY'S EGG GAME
Draw a good-sized rabbit. (The  Easter bunny standing on his hind legs, and holding his paws as if it was carrying an egg.)

1. Put the bunny drawing on the wall.
2. Cut egg shapes out of different colored construction paper to represent Easter eggs.
3. The eggs should be as large as the space between the rabbit's paws.
 
•Blindfold the children in turn -- and give each an egg, which is to be taped on the drawing. The child who tapes their egg closest in the Bunny's paws is the winner.

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HOPPING CHALLENGE
This can be played in a circle, a line, or as a "Bunny Says____" game. Give children a variety of "hopping" commands such as: 

    •Hop in one place 
    •Hop and turn in a circle at the same time 
    •Hop on left/right foot 
    •Hop backwards, sideways, make a square or circle 
    •Hop over a line 
    •Hop with a partner 
    •Hop to different rhythms (clap hands, use drum, music, etc...)

This could also be used as a transition activity where the LAST direction would be, 'Hop and line up!'

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ALPHABET EGG HUNT (WORD GAME)
Have children use their detective skills to find the "eggs" and then, once the eggs are collected, find the hidden words. (They'll try to create words from the letters on the alphabet eggs.) The winner is the team who can make the most words. But first ... you'll need to create the eggs.

You'll Need:
  •Construction paper
  •Pencil
  •Scissors
  •Markers

1. Draw lots of eggs on colorful construction paper. You can make them different sizes, anywhere from 2 to 6 inches long. Cut them off the paper.

2. Decorate one side of the eggs with interesting patterns. Write a letter on the other side.

3. Make enough eggs to use all the letters of the alphabet, and then make at least three more eggs for each vowel
(Example: three for A, three for I, etc.).
Make some extra blank eggs. These will be used as "wild" eggs, which means players can decide which letter they want the egg to be.

4. When you are done creating, ask someone to hide the eggs inside your class, house, or yard.
Source: howstuffworks.com

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WALKING THE EASTER EGG
Materials:
2 hard boiled Easter eggs
1 spoon for every child that is playing

1. To play this game all you need to do is divide the kids into teams, and have them form a line.
2. The first child at the beginning of the line takes the Easter egg and puts it in his/her spoon.
3. This child then passes the Easter egg to the next one in line, until the egg has traveled to the end of the line, and all the way back to the beginning of the line.
4. The first team to get the Easter egg back to the front of the line is the winner.

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EGG BOWLING

•When coloring boiled eggs, leave one white for this game which is very similar to Italian Boccie Ball. 
•Place the white egg in the center of an open space and take turns to see who can roll their dyed egg closest to the white egg without touching or moving it. 
•YOU CAN ALSO PLAY THIS WITH PLASTIC EGGS!

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FLUFFY NEEDS A TAIL 
Make a Rabbit on poster board without a tail. (The Rabbit should be turned sideways)
Children will take turns "Pinning the Tail" on the bunny, using Large Cotton balls and tape.

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DUCK WALK RACE 
    •Have the kids line up at the Start Line, squat down and grasp their ankles with each hand from behind. 
    •On GO, they waddle to a designated Finish Line. 
    •They can't let go of their ankles or they're disqualified. 
    •The first child over the Finish Line is the winner.
    •This would be fun to play "waddle music"...

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BUNNY HOP FOLLOW THE LEADER 
Play Follow the Leader with an Easter theme...Start hopping and then add other movements as well.

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EASTER GUESS THE NUMBER

1. Take a jar and fill it with Easter eggs, jelly beans, etc. Count the candies as you put them in the jar.
2. Leave a piece of paper and a pencil next to the jar and have all the children guess how many candies are in the jar.
3. Be sure they write their name on the paper beside their guess.
4. The child who is the closest without going over wins the jar! 
    • IDEA: Also give each child an Easter goodie for being a good sport and guessing!
    • A BETTER IDEA: Have the child that won-divide the candy for the entire group.

 _____________________

 
SWINGING BASKET GAME

•Use a piece of rope to hang a basket from the branch of a tree or playground bar. Fill plastic Easter eggs  with popcorn kernels for weight and tape them shut. 
•Have the children line up behind the basket and take turns throwing eggs into the basket. 
•They can also just throw or keep score... 
•Once the children can to this with ease, try swinging basket.

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FIND YOUR NAME EASTER HUNT 
    •Write the name of each child on one of the plastic easter eggs you hide. 
    •They all get an Easter treat when they bring you the egg they found. They can put the candy in their egg...

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FAMILAR GAMES WITH AN EASTER TWIST

1. Play the "EASTER BUNNY SAYS", instead of "Simon Says."..
Or---

2. EGGS OUT
    HOT EGG!  Play a version of 'Hot Potato' using a plastic egg. Play Easter music such as "Easter Parade" or "Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail" for the stop and go of the egg pass...

3. EASTER BUNNY, EASTER BUNNY, WHERE'S YOUR EGG?
For Pre-K and K

    •Cut-out a large paper egg. 
    •The players form a circle with one child in the middle as "the Bunny." 
    •The Bunny covers their eyes while a player is selected TO SIT on the egg. Then the Children say...

Easter Bunny, Easter Bunny, where's your egg?
Somebody stole it from your home!

•The Easter bunny has three guesses to find the child who is sitting on the paper egg. That child then becomes
the new bunny in the middle.

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BUNNY HOP (Pre-K to Gr.1)
1. Use pieces of masking tape to make Bunny foot-prints all over the floor.
2. Start playing some Easter music.
3. Have children pretend to be Bunnies and hop around the room.
4. When you stop the music, have the bunnies find footprints to stand on (one Bunny to a paw-print).
5. When you start the music again, have the bunnies continue hopping around the room.

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BUNNY WALK (Pre-K to Gr.1)
Play music of your choice and encourage the children to move such as:

    • BIG Bunnies 
    • Little bunnies 
    • Tired Bunnies 
    • Happy Bunnies 
    • Scared Bunnies, Etc.

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EGG TOSS
1. You’ll need one, hard-boiled egg for each pair of children.
2. Have the children stand across from a partner. They should stand one foot apart.
3. When the leader says, “Go” the children should toss the eggs to their partners.
4. With hard-boiled eggs, everyone can play the whole game because the eggs won’t crack.
5. With each toss, the children should back up one step. Play until the eggs are destroyed and before the kids get bored.

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THE EGG-A-THON
This can be played as a race or relay…
1. Use a tablespoon and a hard-boiled egg or plastic Easter egg and plastic spoon.
2. Children try to walk fast holding the egg in the spoon to the finish line.
3. It can also be done as a relay and have one child in the middle of the race line waiting.
4. The children transfer the egg to their relay partner's spoon and go!

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FOLLOW THE LEADER… 
1. Give each child a tablespoon and a hard-boiled egg.
2. The children form a line and one is the leader.
3. Each one holds the spoon with the egg in its bowl at arm's length and hops on one foot, following wherever the leader leads them.
4. To drop the egg or rest on both feet prevents one from continuing in the game. They stay out until the next round.

 _________________

ROLLING EGGS GAME

Use  hard boiled eggs o plastic eggs...
1. On a table, the pavement outside, or inside on the floor, mark four parallel lines, eight to ten feet long.
If you're playing on a table, it may need to be shorter. Space lines four or five inches apart. There should now be three narrow spaces.
 
2. At the END of each space, make a circle, numbering the middle one 10, and the other two, 5.
In the middle of the spaces---mark the middle one ”, and the other two, 1.
 
3. The object of the game is to have each child roll five eggs, one at a time, down the middle space to the circles at the ends.

4. If the egg goes into the middle circle, it counts 10, but if it stops in the middle space, it counts  3, and so on. Count the number of each place where the egg stops.
 
5. Tally is kept for each child; the one scoring the most points wins the game.
Adapted from: Games for Everybody 

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EASTER EGG BLOW
1. Divide the children into two teams.
2. Place each team on one side of a table opposite of each other.
3. Place a colored cotton ball on the table and pretend it is a Easter egg.
4. The object of the game is to blow the egg off the opposing teams side of table. Players can not use their hands in any way. 

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 NEW!!!

THE WOLF AND THE EASTER EGGS

 

This is a version of an "IT GAME".
"It" is the Wolf.
All other players are "Easter Eggs."
 
The "Easter Eggs" group up and decide what color Easter egg they want to be.
When everyone has picked their color, they turn around and line up facing the wolf from a agreed upon line.

The wolf then starts to guess colors. As the wolf guesses, the player with that color steps forward one step and spell out their color.
Example: If the color is 'brown' they spell out B-R-O-W-N before the wolf tags them.

As soon as the player spells their color, they run a pre-determined "Obstacle Course" or circle. The run must be completed before they are tagged by the wolf.
 
When the run is completed, the eggs run back to their "Basket"(or home base) with the rest of the eggs

(If the eggs makes  it back to the "basket" with the other eggs they group again and the one that ran chooses another color.

The game goes on until the wolf tags someone, and that person is then the new wolf.

Variation for a small group: This game can also be played by eliminating players as they are caught. When one person is left-- that person is it.

This is a great game for younger children to learn how to spell their colors. Be sure to instruct younger children to choose a shorter color name (red) and one they KNOW how to spell.

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MUSIC, SONG, MOVEMENT, POEMS

EASTER'S COMING...DANCE! DO THE BUNNY POKEY!

Sung to: "Hokey Pokey"
You put your bunny ears in
(Place hands on head to make ears)
You put your bunny ears out.
You put your bunny ears in.
And you shake them all about.
You do the Bunny Pokey
And hop yourself around,
That's what it's all about!

Additional verses:
You put your bunny nose in...
You put your bunny tail in...
You put your bunny paws in...

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HERE  COMES PETER COTTONTAIL...

 

Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail,
Hippity hoppity,
Easter's on its way

Bringin' ev'ry girl and boy
A basketful of Easter joy
Things to make your Easter
Bright and gay

He's got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There's an orchid for your mommy
And an Easter bonnet too. Oh!

Here' comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Happy Easter Day

Look at him hop and listen to him say,
"Try to do the things you should"
Maybe if you're extra good
He'll roll lots of Easter eggs your way

You'll wake up on Easter morning
And you'll know that he was there
When you find those choc'late bunnies That he's hiding ev'rywhere, Oh!

Here' comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Happy Easter Day.

________

 

 

HOT CROSS BUNS...

Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns!

If you have no daughters
Give them to your sons
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

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I LOVE EGGS
Sing to tune of Frere Jacques

I love eggs, I love eggs...
Yum, yum, yum, in my tum.

Scrambled, boiled, or fried...
Any way I've tried.

Yum, yum, yum...
yum, yum, yum.

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FIVE BABY BUNIES (Finger Play) 

Five baby bunnies hopping out to play,
Hopping in the forest on Easter Day. (Move fingers in a hopping motion)

The first baby bunny carried his new cane,
He twirled it as he came hopping down the lane.(Hold up one finger as the cane--and twirl it in the air)
 
The second baby bunny came to the river's brink,
Tasted the cool water and took a long, long drink. (Bending over, do a drinking motion)

The third baby bunny tied her bonnet so new,
Under her chin, a bow of pink, white, and blue. (Tie a bow under your chin)

The fourth baby bunny skipped down the shady lane,
He opened his umbrella just in case of rain. (Open a pretend umbrella)
 
The fifth baby bunny said, Look what I see!
Lots and lots of colored eggs hiding near the tree! (Put hands together to simulate a 'binocular” and look peer through them to see the eggs!)

__________

 

 

EASTER PARADE...

In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,
You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter Parade.
I'll be all in clover and when they look you over,
I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter Parade.

On the avenue, Fifth Avenue, the photographers will snap us,
And you'll find that you're in the rotogravure.
Oh, I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet,
And of the girl I'm taking to the Easter Parade.
     Written by Irving Berlin

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Poems are nice to put on hand-made cards...

SOME THINGS THAT EASTER BRINGS
Easter duck and Easter chick,
Easter eggs with chocolate thick...

Easter hats for one and all...
Easter Bunny makes a call!

Happy Easter always brings
Such a lot of pleasant things...
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EASTER EVERYWHERE
Rabbits soft and cuddly
Baby chickens, too...

Easter eggs for baskets
White and pink and blue.

Easter cards of greeting,
Music in the air,
Lilies just to tell us-
It's Easter everywhere.
 

HAPPY EASTER DAY...

The tulips in the garden
Are wearing yellow hats;
The pussy willows by the brook
Have fur like any cats'.
The bee is honey hunting;
The robin's chirp is gay;
And all the world is singing,
"Oh, happy Easter Day!"

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OTHER EASTER CATEGORIES: Click here for all Easter Themed Art, Crafts, Snacks, Games, Jokes, Easter Egg Ideas and more...

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Page 3... Updated March 2013

EGGCEPTIONAL FUN!

Have you made and decorated eggs with your kids? If not here are some wonderful ideas to create fantastic eggs! ... Maybe some new traditions in your "egging" will be started with one of these ideas!

•Marbleized Swirled Eggs
•Crayon Resist Easter Eggs
•Toothpick Painting
•Sponge Painted Eggs
•Tissue Paper Transfers
•Decoupage Eggs
•Collage Easter Eggs
•Stickers
•Sponge Painting
•Rubber Banded Eggs
•Natural Easter Egg Dye
•Face Eggs
•Waxing Easter Eggs
•Water Colors and Brushes
•Easter Bunny Eggs
•...........AND MORE!!! (What to do with eggs AFTER Easter is here!)

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TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT HARD BOILED EGGS--visit the 'Egg Theme page". Boiling Eggs and how to tell if they are fresh is follows the few crafts...

 

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MAKING FOOD COLOR DYE

• Combine 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon of food coloring with 2 tsp. vinegar in a cup that is deep enough for the eggs.
• Add water approximately to the half way mark.
• Carefully place the eggs into the cups.
• To avoid cracking you can use a soup spoon to place eggs. 
• The longer the egg is left in the dye, the darker the color. Experiment with different color combinations. Gently pat the egg dry with paper towel the egg and place it in a holder.

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 METHODS TO "NATURAL"  EGG DYE

 

METHOD #1
You can make natural dyes by combining the below dye source with 1/2 Tablespoon of vinegar with some cold water in a saucepan.

COLOR SOURCE CHART:

•Pale Yellow: Use orange or lemon peels, carrot tops, celery seeds, or ground cumin
•Yellow: Ground turmeric
•Pinkish red: Fresh beets, cranberries, radishes or frozen raspberries
•Orange: Yellow onion skins
•Beige to brown: Strong brewed coffee
•Brown-gold: Dill seeds
•Brown-orange: Chili Powder
•Green-gold: Yellow Delicious apple peels
•Pale Green: Spinach leaves
•Blue: Canned blueberries or red cabbage leaves  

Put uncooked eggs and dye source in water that covers the eggs. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer the eggs 9 to 15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the darker the color will be. Eggs must be simmered the minimum of 8 minutes to cook. You can’t always predict the results. But, it’s fun to see what happens.

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NATURAL METHOD 2

• For a marbled effect, wrap the uncooked eggs in white and purple onion skins, spinach, and/or fresh saffron.
• Secure and wrap the eggs with white string and then place the eggs in the foot of a clean and recycled nylon stocking; tie the stocking in a knot.
• Gently boil the egg-filled stocking---using the same cooking time and vinegar /water mixture directions as above.
• After you remove the cooked eggs--leave them in the wraps awhile to deepen colors.

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MEHOD 3
To use this method, start with either hard-cooked eggs or blown-out eggs. Choose a dye-source. Some possible color sources for eggshells are listed above. Use judgment to how much of each source to use.

• Except for spices, place a handful – or two or three handfuls – of a dye-source in a saucepan.
• Add tap water to come at least one inch above the dyestuff. This will be about 1 cup of water for each handful of ingredient.
• Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat. Simmer about 15 minutes or up to an hour until you like the color.
• Remember that dyed eggs will not get as dark as the color in the pan. Remove the pan from the heat.

With a very fine strainer (or cheesecloth) strain the dye mixture into a liquid measuring cup. Add 2 to 3 teaspoonful of white vinegar for each cup of strained dye liquid. Pour the mixture into a small bowl that’s deep enough to completely cover the eggs you want to dye. Use a slotted spoon or a wire egg holder from a dyeing kit to lower the eggs into the hot liquid. Leave the eggs in the water until you like the color. If you’re using emptied eggshells, stir or rotate them to help the color reach all the shell parts evenly. Lift the eggs out with the spoon or holder. Let them dry on a rack or drainer.

Eggs colored with natural dyes have a dull finish and are not glossy.
After they are dry, you can rub the eggs with cooking oil or mineral oil to give them a soft sheen.
Adapted from: aeb.org

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DECORATING  EGGS!

TIP TO REMEMBER WHEN PAINTING EGGS ...For a sturdy stand to hold the egg while you paint it, use an empty toilet paper tube. Prop the egg on top and decorate.

TOOTHBRUSH SPLATTERED EGGS
Scrub an old toothbrush in watercolor or poster paints... aim it at the egg...then strum your thumb over the bristles. The paint will splatter a fine mist like spray paint on the eggs. Have fun layering different colors...

_______________________
RUBBERBAND DESIGN EGGS
Wrap elastic rubber bands around hard cooked eggs, then drop them in food-coloring dye. Remove the eggs; pat dry with paper towel; remove the rubber bands when eggs are dry.

The parts of the egg covered with rubber bands will not be colored.
You can STOP at this point or----once the rubber bands are removed, you can drop the egg into a different color dye. _____________________________

EGGS WITH PERFECT CIRCLE DESIGNS
Take the hard-boiled egg and apply re-enforcement circles on it. (the kind you put on loose-leaf paper so the holes don't tear)
Dip your egg in the color; when it's dry, remove the re-enforcement.
You have a perfectly designed egg!
_______________________________

ALUMINUM FOIL EGGS
Crumple and uncrumple a sheet of aluminum foil. Coat the foil with acrylic paint, then set the egg in the center of the foil and loosely wrap it. Gently press the foil against the egg, then remove the egg and let it dry. (DO NOT EAT EGGS WITH ACRYLIC PAINT)
___________________

SHINY EASTER EGGS
Mix SWEETENED condensed milk (such as Eagle Brand) with food coloring; paint with brushes or Q-tips.

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TOOTHPICK PAINTING
Using acrylic paint, use a toothpick to paint on small, detailed designs such as flowers, stars, swirls, butterflies, and other designs. (Do not eat eggs that have paint on them)
___________________

BUBBLE WRAP EGGS
Coat bubble wrap with acrylic paint, then roll the egg over it.
(Do not eat eggs colored with acrylic paint — these are just for show)

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ABSTRACT EGGS
A jar of rubber cement can help make beautiful Easter eggs! This design is very simple to accomplish, even for children -- with a some supervision.....Fun part! No two eggs are exactly alike.

• Need: Hard boiled eggs, basic egg dyes in desired colors, a jar of rubber cement
• These eggs are really simple to make. The basic principle is that you drizzle rubber cement over the egg, let it dry, then color the egg.
• Naturally, the egg dye won't stick to the parts that are painted with the glue. After the egg is colored to the desired shade, let it dry completely, then carefully peel off the rubber cement.
• You can paint the rubber cement on plain white eggs...or dye the egg with a base color, then apply the rubber cement and re-dip in a contrasting color. The most important tip is to dry the eggs completely between colors and or coats of rubber cement.
  Source: fabulousfoods.com

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DINOSAUR EGGS
The reptilian-like designs on these eggs are intricate; they look like they would be difficult to make. Not so...With a bit of help, even young children can get fabulous results. The best part is--no two eggs are ever alike.
Materials:
Hard boiled eggs, 6" square of cheesecloth for each egg, rubber bands or twist ties, small paint brushes or cotton swabs, basic egg dyes in desired shades

• Wrap a piece of cheesecloth tightly around a dry egg, bundling the edges together and fastening them at the top with a rubber band or twist ties.
• Dip your paint brush or cotton swab and dip it into the egg dye, then dab this onto the cloth covered eggs.
• Repeat, painting the eggs with various shades in various places, use your imagination.
•  Overlap some colors for special effects, or keep it monochrome.
• When you're finished painting, set the egg aside to dry.

The more patient you are and the more the egg dries, the better. When you unwrap the egg, you'll be left with a design that resembles armadillo skin. You can use this technique over plain white eggs, over a base base coat of color or even over marble colored eggs.

Another technique, which will give a subtle textured effect to a solid colored egg is to wrap the egg in cheesecloth, as per the instructions above, then dip the whole thing in the cup of egg dye. Let it sit until done to desired shade. Let dry (it doesn't have to be bone dry, but the drier the better) before carefully removing cheesecloth.
Source: fabulousfoods.com

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FACE EGGS

Use craft supplies such as yarn, ribbon and fabric scraps to create members of your family (or member's of your students' families) Attach with craft glue.

Add facial features using permanent markers for the mouth, nose and eyes. Cut a paper towel tube into different heights for Mom, Dad, sister etc. Decorate the tube with construction paper for clothing. Place the painted egg onto the holder. You can also add the individual's name to the tube. Sample photographs show one plain face drawing and one with short tube. (Which are also fun!)

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WAXING EASTER EGGS
Drip wax from a lit taper candle onto the egg.
After the wax is set, drop the egg into food coloring dye.
Remove the egg from the dye and paper-towel pat it dry.
You can scrape the wax off the egg and dip into another dye...or leave the wax on...

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COLLAGE YOUR EASTER EGGS
After eggs are boiled and cooled--decorate them with a variety of craft supplies. Using white or craft glue, attach the materials. Use markers, stickers, sequins, glitter, buttons, rick rack, ribbons, beads, etc. Let your imagination go wild...

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SPONGE PAINTED EASTER EGGS
Sponge Painted Eggs (Do NOT eat eggs that have been painted!)

• Cut a sponge (natural if possible) into small pieces.
• Pour acrylic paint into a shallow dish or onto wax paper.
• Secure the sponge pieces onto clip type clothes pins--you need one for each color of paint.
• Dip the sponge into the paint and dab the egg with it---Start with darker colors first for best effect.
• Place egg in an egg cup to dry.

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MARBLEIZED SWIRLED EGGS

• Mix 1 tablespoon food coloring with 1 tablespoon vinegar in a cup.
• Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1/2 cup cool water. If necessary, add a little more water, so the liquid will completely cover an egg when placed in the cup.
• Make different swirled colors in different cups.
• Gently lower an egg into a cup using a spoon until the egg is completely covered by the liquid.
• Remove the egg immediately and pat dry with a paper towel. Your egg will have a marbleized look.
• FYI: The pictured eggs have a coat of clear nail polish on them to give a gloss.

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FOOD COLORING PAINTED EGGS
Use undiluted food coloring and a cotton swab to paint on hard boiled eggs. Let the eggs sit in egg cups until dry.

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EGGS PAINTED USING ACRYLIC PAINT
Use acrylic paints and a cotton swab to paint on hard boiled eggs. Let the eggs sit in egg cups until dry. Do NOT eat eggs that have been colored with paint!

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CRAYON RESIST EGGS
With crayons, draw dots, lines shapes and swirls on the Easter eggs before placing them in the dye.The wax will resist the dye and your picture will show through. If you are dying Easter eggs with young children and do not want to use dye...The children can stop after coloring the eggs with crayons.

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NO DYE EGGS WITH TISSUE TRANFER...

Eggs (white work best)
CRAFT tissue Paper & Scissors 
Water

• Hard boil the eggs and let cool.
• Have children cut or tear diferent color of tissue paper into small pieces.
  Use water to stick the tissue paper to the eggs. Allow to dry.
• When dry, the children can remove the tissue paper to see the colors and patterns on their Easter eggs.
  Note - tissue paper for gift wrapping will not work in this project. The coloring in craft tissue paper transfers easily to the egg.

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EASTER BUNNY EGGS
Dye eggs in solid colors.
Dry them with a paper towel. For each bunny egg, cut two oval shaped ears from colored paper. Glue the ears to the top of the egg.
Add plastic "google" eyes. Use markers to add a small triangle for
a nose and some whiskers. Glue on a cotton ball for a tail.

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DECOUPAGE EGGS
You Need:
Empty eggshell mounted on a 1/8-inch-diameter dowel ...
Image to decorate the surface of the egg: greeting card, wrapping paper, stationery, or a photocopy of a photograph
All-purpose glue
Toothpick
Damp paper towel or cloth
Acrylic paint in colors for the background (optional)
Sponge brush
Mod Podge, Royal Coat, or any decoupage medium
6-inch square of Styrofoam
Small paintbrush
Brush-on glitter paint (optional)
1/2-inch-diameter gold findings

Instructions:
1. Using scissors, carefully cut out the image and paste it on the egg using all-purpose glue, cutting into the image to help it lie flat. Press out any wrinkles by gently rolling a round toothpick over the image. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp paper towel or cloth.
2. If desired, paint the background of the image with a wash of acrylic paint; let the paint dry.
3. Using a sponge brush, dab decoupage medium onto the egg. Let the medium dry. Repeat this step twice. Place one end of the dowel into the square of Styrofoam as a base to hold the egg while it dries.
4. If desired, embellish the egg with brush-on glitter paint, using a small paintbrush.
5. When the egg is dry, add finishing touches: Carefully cut off the masking tape, slide the egg off the dowel, and glue a gold finding at each end of the egg to cover the holes.
Source: Ladies Home Journal

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WATER COLOR & BRUSHES
Get out your water colors and fine paintbrushes and paint some pastel designs on your eggs.
TIP: For a sturdy stand to hold the egg while you paint it, use an empty toilet paper tube. Prop the egg on top and decorate. Use different brushes for different techniques

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*Idea:  You can buy EASTER STICKERS, and have the kids cover the eggs with those. How easy can it get!

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EMPTYING EGGS NEW & OLD WAYS
Whether you dye, paint, or decoupage your egg masterpieces, they'll last longer if you blow out the contents and remove the white and yolk, leaving only the shell to decorate.

What You Need:
Egg
Drill with 1/8-inch bit
Sharp cuticle scissors
Bowl
Ear syringe
Soap and water
Bleach
1/8-inch-diameter dowel
Masking tape

Instructions:
1. Remove the contents of the egg. Make a hole as small as 1/8 inch in each end of a hen's egg. A mini drill and sharp-pointed cuticle scissors are good tools for keeping the holes small. Work over a bowl. The insides may start draining when you pierce the second opening.

2. Keeping the egg over a bowl or the sink, use an ear syringe to blow air into the egg and force the contents out the opposite hole. Rinse the egg with mild soap, water, and a small amount of bleach.

3. Slip empty eggshell onto a dowel. For decoupage, you want to avoid getting fingerprints on the eggshell, so slide it onto a 1/8-inch-diameter dowel. To prevent the egg from sliding, wrap a small piece of masking tape around the dowel just above and below the egg.
From: Ladies Home Journal

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BLOWING OUT EGGS THE OLD FASHIONED WAY!
Wash your egg well.
Carefully poke a small hole in each end of the raw egg. Hold the egg over a bowl and blow into one of the holes. The egg liquid should slowly come out the other hole. Sometimes this is a big job, and children will need an adult’s help. Once the egg shell is empty, rinse it off and set it aside to dry

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This idea is also fun at Easter! It's not an egg to eat~ but still an egg! "Cascaron" is the Spanish word for eggshell. They are used in many celebrations including Easter, Christmas, Birthdays and Cinco de Mayo.

MAKE CONFETTI (CASCARON) EGGS (Egg Craft and Game in one!)

 Materials
Uncooked chicken eggs--large or jumbo size
Food color, dyes and/or markers
Scotch tape OR Glue and Tissue paper
Paper confetti (Two cups per dozen eggs)

1. Make about a half inch hole--or the size of a dime-- in the bottom or top of an egg. Remove the egg contents. (Either prop over a bowl and let the eggs drain---or See directions for blowing out eggs on Egg Decorating Page)
2. Rinse out the inside of the egg. When it is completely dry-- decorate it using your favorite method.
3. Fully fill the dry egg with paper confetti.
4. Once finished, place a small piece of scotch tape over the opening of the egg...or glue on a small piece of tissue paper that matches the egg.

What to do with them?
Surprise a ' someone by 'cracking' and egg over their head
Hide cascarones as part of an Easter-egg hunt. When a cascarón is found, it can be cracked over someone's head. Make a wish when you crack the cascarón. According to tradition, a confetti shower brings good luck to both the one who breaks the cascarón and the one above whose head it is broken.  

Cascarones are a traditional part of the Easter season in  Texas. In San Antonio, the “confetti-filled eggs,” are sold in stores and is a basic part of Fiesta.
ORIGIN...
According to latinworksco.com, many people believe Cascarones were first brought from Asia to Italy by the explorer Marco Polo. He would give the eggs — often filled with perfumed powder — as gifts.
The custom traveled from Italy to Spain and was brought to Mexico in the mid-1800s by the wife of Emperor Maximilian. In Mexico, the powder was replaced with confetti, and cascarones became a part of holiday celebrations, including Easter, New Year's Eve and birthday parties.

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CUTE!!!

 

•Looking for "Easter Themed" Games, Art, Crafts and Snacks?! Click here...

•...Now visit the 'NON-EASTER' EGG THEME PAGE! Crafts, Games, Recipes, Science and more! All using Eggs!!!

Back to top of page

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So many things you can do with 'Faces and Names'! Art, Crafts, Games, Snacks, and more!  

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ART AND CRAFTS

COOKED 'PASTA FACE' ART

(This above image has actually been made using cooked noodles for face and hair!) 

1. Toss pasta (a handful for each child) into a pot of boiling water. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to keep it from clumping together. Cook until the pasta is soft but not mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water so that it will be cool enough to handle. 
2. This sample is a face--but it can also be shaped into flowers or stretched  into scenic landscapes. For varying lengths, kids can cut the spaghetti with a plastic knife before pressing it onto the page.
3. To keep a favorite picture, cover it with waxed paper and top with a heavy book so that it will dry flat. The pasta will adhere even after it hardens.

This is nothing to do with 'faces or names'...but here are some variations:

If you're out of spaghetti, try using other pasta shapes. (Cook them all in the same pot.) Make a 'poodle' out of elbow macaroni or a 'fire truck' from lasagna)
TIP:
Add a bit of food coloring to the boiling water for bright-hued noodles.

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 MAKE PASTA FACES (For all ages)

 Make pasta pictures with any dry shaped noodle you can find. The more texture to the noodle, the better. This makes a great craft project.

You will need heavy card stock or construction paper, (the sample is on masonite) a variety of texture, and different shape pasta noodles and Elmer's glue. Allow the kids to be creative and design their own picture... or you can give them a theme to follow such as make this pasta face/head. Be sure to let the glue dry overnight or at least for a few hours. 

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    WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE WHEN I'M '100 YEARS' OLD?

 Have children draw a picture of how they will look when they are 100 years old (These can be hysterical) They can also write about the picture. What will they be doing? Their families? What will the world be like! Etc.

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Write the 'LETTERS OF YOUR NAME' in BUBBLE' STYLE 

Begin by showing students how to draw "bubble" letters. When ready...
1. Have children write their full name in bubble-style. Change the size and direction of the letters, using overlap, to add variety and interest. The letters of their names can go ANYPLACE on the paper. The 'goal of this project' is art/design.
2. Draw line patterns in the background, repeating some patterns, drawing some lines thick, others thin, etc.
3. When the background is filled, color the letters with markers.
Idea Source and Image by 6th grader of techyteacher

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PUT TOGETHER A 'GROUP OR FAMILY NAME BOOK'

Materials: Paper, markers, crayons, glitter, glue, stickers

1. Instruct children to write their full name in large letters on their paper.
2. Next have them decorate the letters and strips in whichever creative ways they choose. Perhaps you can show them how to draw 'Bubble or Block' letter before the activity. this would give them space in which to decorate within each letter--as well as on the paper.
3. A cover for the book would complete the project. Perhaps a creative child or you can make a cover.
4. When complete--staple or tie all 'name pages' together to make your group or class book.

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MAKE SHRUNKEN 'APPLE FACES--HEADS'!

  • Choose the largest, firmest apples you can find. The apples shrink a lot when they dry so you want to be sure that they are big enough to begin with. Firm apples will be easier to carve and will dry out much better.

  • The first step in making your shrunken apple heads is to peel the apples. You can core them if you would like, although it is not necessary. Next, brush a mixture of lemon juice and salt onto the peeled apple. The lemon juice and salt mixture will help to keeping the apples from turning as brown as usually when they dry.

• Next, you will want to take a paring knife and carve out the basic features of a face from one side of the apple. Don't go into too much detail since when the apple dries any small details will be lost. Focus on creating large features like the eye sockets, a nose and a mouth.

Example: To make a shrunken apple for a witch's head you would most likely carve a large nose, two deep holes for the eye sockets and a sneering hole for the mouth. Keep the shapes that you carve simple and larger than you think you need them to be since they will shrink as they dry.

  • Place the carved apples somewhere dry and out of the way. Turn them every couple of days -- in about 2 weeks they will have shriveled up into ghoulish little faces. You can speed up the drying time if you would like by setting them on a cookie sheet in the oven on the lowest setting or by using a food dehydrator, although it will still take some time for them to dry and shrivel.

• YOU CAN MAKE A BODY by putting the heads on small bottles (shampoo, dish soap etc.) Make a dress out of a piece of fabric. You can even use a small paper clip to make glasses.

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ROCK FACES

Find smooth, flat or round rocks. Be sure to clean off any dirt or sand and dry completely before starting. Paint with acrylic paints. Decorate faces by using google eyes, yarn for hair, markers, glitter, and any other tidbits you like. (Photo from shirtvalley.com)

Wonderful Extension Ideas are in the Stones, Rocks and Pebbles Theme...(It's about the seventh craft activity down the page...)

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"FACE AND NAME" ACROSTIC

This  example shows the work of 'BRIA'.... 

Directions: Instruct children to vertically spell their first name--letter by letter.  Children next write a word--usually an adjective-- that starts with each letter and describes them...

B = Bubbly, R= Rowdy, I= Intelligent, A=Amazing!  It's completed with a self-portrait! A great activity for the Beginning of the School Year--or of course to go with a "Faces and Names" Theme! (Image by KidActivities.net)

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  FACE 'FULL OF FEELINGS' COLLAGE... for Pre-K to Grade 1 children...

 At this point in their lives, children are just beginning to understand and express their feelings, especially simple emotions like happy, sad and angry.

An excellent way to illustrate certain feelings is to make a feelings collage. Have child go through magazines to find pictures of people looking happy, sad, angry, and surprised.

Create one large collage for each feeling. Have children  decorate the collages with crayons or markers in colors they believe represent each feeling.

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AN EXTENSION to the above activity...MAKE THE FACE 'DRAMA GAME'!

A great activity for talking about feelings is this one called “Make the Face”. The instructor calls out a situation such as losing your favorite toy or winning an important game. Each child makes the corresponding face or body movement for that emotional experience.
Source: preschoolwhiz.com

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 FACE SILOUETTE

Materials:

2 Pieces of White Construction Paper
1 Piece of Black Construction Paper
Pencil
Glue
Tape
Scissors
Flashlight or Lamp with the Shade Removed

• Tape a piece of white construction paper onto a wall.
• Have the person sit sideways in front of the paper; have someone use the light to cast a shadow of the profile on the paper.
• Trace the profile.
• Trace the profile onto the black paper and cut it out.
• Glue the profile onto the other white paper.

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SELF PORTRAIT

1. Fold paper in half. Each half is labeled "September" and "June".
2. Children draw self-portraits on the "September" side and store them in their portfolios.
3. In June, complete the other self-portrait and the children's growth in fine motor skills is revealed.

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ME PUPPETS (A good getting to know you activity!) 
Grade Levels: 1-5

On the first day... or during the first week of school (unlike the remaining days of the school year),  children often don't want to talk about themselves.
Consider making "me" puppets. Use paper plates for the head, yarn for the hair, and construction paper facial features, with a popscicle stick for a handle.
When complete,  stage a puppet show.
 
The children hide their faces with the puppets and tell their classmates all about their families, hobbies, pets, etc.
Gail W.

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(A 'Beginning of the School Year' AND 'End of the School Year' Activity)

 

 

MAKE 'NAME QUILTS'!

On plain paper instruct children to draw four lines of equal distance across the paper...and then four line of equal distace down the paper. (If children are very young-you may want to pre-make and make copies of the boxes for them.

 

Using three different crayon colors of their choice, have children color in the boxes and then write their name 'letter by letter' in each box. (The sample 'Name Quilt/ Art was done by first grades students of Shannon Stewart)

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NOTE: Enjoy the other 'Art Pieces' at the bottom of this page--using names!. If you'd like to see 'larger' versions of the art...Visit the Art using Letters and Names Page.

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FACE PAINTING! or.....STICK ON TATOOS!

 

Don't forget to add 'face' painting to your theme! Always festive...It doesn't have to be as elaborate as this sample. A simple star, heart, or flower is equally nice! 

Along the same theme are temporary tatoos! Placed on the cheek of a 'face' of course!

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 NAME & FACE GAMES

 MAKE YOUR OWN PAPER NAPKIN 'BEAN BAG FACES' FOR GAMES 

This is a craft--but used for Games! Bean Bag image is courtesy of School in your Home.

All you do is crumple up some napkins into a tight ball and then wrap another napkin around and secure in back with a rubber band.

You can color the napkin with water-based markers before wrapping it or after. Experiment to see which works better. These inexpensive beanbags make for a fun activity for all ages--preschool and up! They would also make nice puppet heads!

Click here for Bean Bag Games...scroll about 60% down the page...

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BACKWARDS NAMES...
Each person writes their name backwards on a file card. The cards are put in a pile in the center of the group. In turn, each person picks up a file card from the pile, and reads aloud what it says. The group must guess whose name is backwards. (Pre-make cards to use “whenever”.) Example: If the name is Mary--backwards it would be y-ram! This one is great for transition times when kids have to wait

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STARING CONTEST...
No laughing, no poking, no nodding, no blinking--just staring into the eyes of your opponent to see who flinches first.

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Play PIN THE MUSTACHE on the FACE of a Teacher/Caregiver/Parent/Celebrity

Blow up a picture (or draw one) of one of a staff member...or parent or celebrity if this is for a home party.
Make/cut mustaches out of black construction paper. Place tape on the back of each mustache. Then the game proceeds just like 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey'.
IDEA: You could also get permission from the school principal (or a favorite school person) and pin the mustache on a picture of them!

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NAME, NAME, GROUP!
(A version of Duck, Duck, Goose)

1. Sit children in a circle.
2. 'It"" walks around the outside of the circle and taps each child on the head-- and saying their name.  (If this is the beginning of the school year or camp-the children may need to have 'name' reminders)
3. When "It" taps a child on the head and says the name of the group (such as Camp, Grade 1, Gym Class, Brownies, etc.) the 'tapped child jumps up and chases it around the circle.
4. If 'It' is NOT caught before 'It' gets back to the empty seat spot--the 'tapped child' becomes the new 'It'.

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THE BIGGEST SMILE
 
This is not a game, but a great group activity to see who can give the biggest smile! (Prizes or not--your choice) One at a time measure people's smiles with a ruler (or measuring tape). This is fun. You can also measure the zany faces!
You can take photos as you do this as people are smiling BIG!

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NAME TAG GAME
(A great game to learn all the names of a group that is new to each other)

Have children stand in a circle.
'It' is in the middle and says someone's name standing in the circle.
The 'named person' must say another person's name in the circle-- before getting tagged by 'It".
If tagged,'It' exchanges places with the named person.

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 SPOON ON THE NOSE on YOUR FACE TRICK
 This is one of the all-time great party tricks. Any nose and spoon will do. Breathe heavily on the spoon, or lick it (yuck!).
 Immediately after breathing on or licking the spoon, place it on your nose so that it is up high, but not too high. It can basically be placed anywhere on your nose, as long as it is on the ledge of it. Place it on the edge of your nose. Sounds easier than it really is.

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PLAY THROWING THE SMILE! (Circle Game)
In this game, players are forbidden to smile, but --giggling and laughing will abound anyway.
 
1. Players sit in a circle, making sure they can see everyone else. One player who is "It" starts the game by smiling widely, while all the other players are somber. "It" then uses their hand to wipe the smile off their face and throw it to another player--- who has to catch the smile with their hand -- and then put it on.
2. The new "It" can wipe off the smile to throw to someone else--(though he/she will probably choose to make funny smile faces at everyone for a minute or two before relinquishing the happy role.) Meanwhile, all other players must sit stone-faced. One smirk and they're out.
TIP:
The youngest players are the least successful at winning this game (they simply can't stop themselves from laughing), but they also tend to enjoy it the most.) From Cassie/Mi. Adapted from: familyfun.go.com

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ADJECTIVES and NAMES: "I AM..." CIRCLE GAME

1. Each player chooses an adjective (descriptive word) that starts with the 'same letter' as their first name.
2. It's nice if the word describe the person--but it is not necessary.
Example:
The first player -- puts and adjective before her name saying, "Merry Mary".
3. The next person says, "Merry Marry and then their name…"Silly Sally". 
4. The group continues around the circle until it gets back to the Merry Mary who began!
 
Can 'Merry Mary' repeat all the names with adjectives?!

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 SNACKS WITH A FACE! Some Seasonal and some all year round!

 

 REINDEER FACE SANDWICH

(1 slice bread)Peanut butter or filling of choice... 
4 mini pretzels
4 raisins or m&m's
2 mini marshmallows
Maraschino cherries or red-hot cinnamon candies
Plates and knife

1. Cut bread in half from corner to corner, making two equal triangles.
2. Spread peanut butter over bread.
3. Decorate as follows:

Place it in front of you, with the point facing you and the long side of triangle facing away from you. Place one mini pretzel on each upper corner for the antlers; two raisins in the center of each slice (the eyes) and one mini marshmallow for the nose...if you are making Rudolf, use a maraschino cherry or cinnamon candy -- on the tip of each short point nearest you for the nose). You now have two reindeer faces... 

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REINDEER FACE SANDWICHES in general...

 Just put  variety of bread slices, cheese, meat or peanut butter. Add and a good selection of veggies   and fruit...Raisins,

carrot strips, celery, olives, slices of red pepper,etc. This sample idea  from hamptonroads

  

SNOWMAN FACE

Give each child a rice cake and have them spread cream cheese or white frosting on the rice cakes.
Decorate the faces with M&M's, raisins, raisenettes, red liquorish, and baby carrots.

This sample by KidActivities uses cream cheese on the rice cake. It is competed with a baby carrot nose, mini-chocolat chip mouth, and M&M's eyes (Image by KidActivities.net)

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 TEDDY FACE...

Ingredients:
1 cupcake per person
Frosting (Any color/flavor you'd like)
2 Nilla Wafers
1 Junior Mint or large spice/gumdrop 
2 black or dark brown M&Ms

After frosting the cupcake, place a Nilla wafer cookie (for a muzzle) toward the bottom of the cupcake.
Stick a Junior mint 'nose' about 2/3 down the cookie muzzle.
Add M&M eyes.
To make the ears, cut the second Nilla Wafer in half; place halves at the top of cupcake.

 

   Make a SMILEY FACE TREAT!  The ways to do this are endless...

As a base use large round cookies, unfrosted cupcakes, bagels, bread cut into round shapes, or rice cakes.

Spread the base with a variety of ingredients such as peanut butter, cream-cheese, frosting, or Nutella. Add facial features using M&M's, spice drops, raisins, banana slices and/or veggie pieces! 

The image shown/made by KidActivities.net is a rice cake covered with peanut butter. M&Ms with a chocolate kiss nose complete the 'Face Theme' Snack! (Image by KidActivities.net)

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PANCAKE FACE

What child wouldn't love waking up to--or making these at home or daycare?

Just make pancakes as usual and put out a variety or food embellishment choices. Choose from banana slices, strawberries, raisins, blueberries, chocolate chips, peach sllces, nuts, whipped cream, etc. Don't forget the butter and syrup. Image by KidActivities.net

Tip: this little guy isn't photographed with butter or syrup--pour syrup over the cakes before decorating. Otherwise facial features will become all sticky. They'll be sticky anyway--but not AS sticky. (Many children like to pick up the fruit pieces and eat with their fingers!)

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  SANDWICH ART: Make a hoagie sandwich that looks back at you!

Ingredients:
Hoagie buns
Sliced lowfat cheese
Lean luncheon or deli meat
Shredded carrots, lettuce, or sprouts
Olives
Cherry tomatoes
Miscellaneous condiments (mustard, reduced fat mayonnaise, etc)
Toothpicks (or broken spaghetti pieces)
Clean work surface and hands
 
Make hoagie sandwich, using desired ingredients. On one end of the sandwich, use toothpicks or broken spaghetti pieces to position olives for eyeballs and cherry tomato for nose. Arrange shredded carrots, lettuce, or sprouts on top for hair. If desired, stick a small piece of lunch meat out of the "mouth" for a tongue. Source: Nutritionforkids NOTE: Be sure to remove all toothpicks before eating!

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SUNSHINE or FLOWER FACE --which ever you choose! 
Slice some oranges and strawberries! It's that easy...

Kids can build on this healthy snack and add blueberries, banana slices, raisins or dried cranberries for facial features! (Image by KidActivities.net)

 

 

 POWDERED SUGAR  DONUT 'FACE'

 These are easy and fun! Simply dab a bit of white frosting to a candy corn and place it in the center of the donut (where the hole is)...This sample made by kids has regular chocolate chips for the eyes and mini chocolate chips for the mouth.

M&M's or gum drop candy could also be used for the eyes and mouth--and a cherry or gum drop for the nose. (Image by KidActivities.net) These can also double as 'Snowmen Faces' in the winter!

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LOOKING FOR A 'HEALTHY' AUTUMN SNACK?

How cute is this?! (Also--see note at bottom of snack)

Using a 'Sharpie type' pen... draw various 'Jack-O-Lantern' faces on Clementine Oranges! Small, seedless, usually sweet... and easy for children to peel. These make a nice snack to take to school, pack in the lunch box, or snack on at home! 

NOTE: KidActivities made these in the winter to add to the Halloween Theme. Visiting children thought they were wonderfully fun; they said we should draw faces on our oranges and clementines all the time! Great Idea! Draw some happy, sad, and thoughtful faces any time of the year!

NOTE: The marker did NOT go through the peel... (Image by KidActivities.net)

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 ORANGE SMILES...

 Very easy and kids like it!

Cut orange in half and then into wedges that look like smiles. As children eat the orange snack...they put the wedge into their mouths and over their teeth. Ta-daa--Orange Smiles. M's on the right shaped her wedge to resemble a vampires long tooth! (Images by KidActivities.net)

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HMMMM...IS THIS A CRAFT OR A SNACK? (KidActivities thinks snack on the left and craft on the right)

FACE EGGS

Use craft supplies such as yarn, ribbon and fabric scraps to create members of your family (or member's of your students' families) Attach with craft glue.

Add facial features using permanent markers for the mouth, nose and eyes. Cut a paper towel tube into different heights for Mom, Dad, sister etc.

Decorate the tube with construction paper for clothing. Place the painted egg onto the holder. You can also add the individual's name to the tube. Sample photographs show one plain face drawing and one with short tube. (Which are also fun!)

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MISCELLANEOUS IDEAS...

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND RAISER...

Looking for a fun way to raise money for your favorite charity?

Hold a "PIE IN THE FACE" competition ... whatever class raises the most money gets to throw a pie in the face of the principle, teacher, etc.! The kids will love it!

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SONGS...

THE NAME GAME!
This is a song--but can be said in rhythmic taking voice. See info after lyrics...

Shirley!
Shirley, Shirley bo Birley Bonana fanna fo Firley
Fee fy mo Mirley, Shirley!

Lincoln!
Lincoln, Lincoln bo Bincoln Bonana fanna fo Fincoln
Fee fy mo Mincoln, Lincoln!

Come on everybody!
I say now let's play a game
I betcha I can make a rhyme out of anybody's name
The first letter of the name, I treat it like it wasn't there
But a B or an F or an M will appear
And then I say bo add a B then I say the name and Bonana fanna and a fo
And then I say the name again with an F very plain
and a fee fy and a mo
And then I say the name again with an M this time
and there isn't any name that I can't rhyme

Arnold!
Arnold, Arnold bo Barnold Bonana fanna fo Farnold
Fee fy mo Marnold Arnold!

But if the first two letters are ever the same,
I drop them both and say the name like
Bob, Bob drop the B's Bo ob
For Fred, Fred drop the F's Fo red
For Mary, Mary drop the M's Mo ary
That's the only rule that is contrary.

Okay? Now say Bo: Bo
Now Tony with a B: Bony
Then Bonana fanna fo: bonana fanna fo
Then you say the name again with an F very plain: Fony
Then a fee fy and a mo: fee fy mo
Then you say the name again with an M this time: Mony
And there isn't any name that you can't rhyme

Every body do Tony!
Pretty good, let's do Billy!
Very good, let's do Marsha!
A little trick with Nick!
The name game

Song Lyrics: "The Name Game"
Recorded by: "Shirley Ellis"
Written by: (Shirley Ellis, Lincoln Chase)
Single: First released 1964, re-released 1966 & 1973

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WHO IS HERE TODAY? (For young children)
Sung to tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Let's see who is here today.
Who has come to join our play?

Everyone sit close at hand.
Say your name and then you stand.

Let's see who is here today.
Who has come to join our play?

When complete, children stand and say their names.

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POEM...

SMILING

Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around a corner and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled, I realized I had passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile and then I realized its worth.
A single smile, just like mine, could travel around the earth.
So if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected.
Let's start an epidemic quick and get the world infected.
Author Unknown

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NAME FUN...Good for about grade 3 to adult--some younger children 'may' enjoy a couple!

WHAT WOULD YOUR NAME BE IF YOU USED...

(Examples of names included...)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: First pet & current family car (Pixie Taurus)

2. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: Favorite color & favorite animal (Red Dolphin) 

3. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: Middle name, city where you were born
(Jean Detroit)

4. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: the first 3 letters of your last name and first 2 letters of your first name
(She Ba)

5. SUPERHERO NAME: 'The' plus 2nd favorite color and  favorite drink
(The Yellow Hot Tea)

6. NASCAR NAME: The first names of your grandfathers
(Joseph Anthony)

7. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: Your 5th grade teacher's last name, a major city that starts with the same letter
(Celestine Chicago)

8. SPY NAME: your favorite season/holiday and flower
(Autumn Daisy)

9. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit plus article of clothing you're wearing right now and add 'ie' or 'y'
(Watermellon Soxy)

10. HIPPY NAME: What you ate for breakfast plus your favorite tree
(Muffin Red Maple)

11. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: 'The' and Your favorite hobby/craft and favorite weather element plus the word 'Tour'
(The Designing Sunny Sky Tour)

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The below 'Name Art' is from Art Using Words and Letters Page...please visit to see larger versions...

 

 

 

 

 

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 Updater May, 2013

Yee-Haaa! Cowboys, Indians, Ranches, Horses, Cows, Trails, and good old 'Grub' is what we think of when planning a 'Wild West' Theme!   The following ideas are good for a Western, Frontier, or Ranch Theme or Party.

Several of the following activities have been gathered from other areas of KidActivities site....many however...are unique to this theme! Find Art, Crafts, Games, Snacks and more to make your 'Western Ranch' theme complete!

REMEMBER...when you'rr planning a themed event for a camp, school or child care program, making  decorations and crafts BEFORE and FOR the festivities ---is part of the fun!  Include the kids as much as possilbe.

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ART and CRAFT IDEAS

ANIMAL CRACKER 'RANCH SCENE
'Materials:
Animal crackers (Horses, Cows, Sheep, etc.) 
Craft glue
Crayons or markers, etc.
Colorful paper.
Draw, color, paint a ranch yard scene on paper using crayons or other materials. Glue on the animal crackers to complete your ranch scene.

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STRAW PAINTING (As in 'straw found on a ranch' not a drinking straw)
Need: Straw, Paint
Directions: Have children use pieces of straw for paint brushes. Use different colors and experiment with different looks and methods. Add the pieces of straw to the pictures, when the paintings are complete.

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COW COLLAGE by Jason-Grade 1
Materials: colored paper, glue, scissors
This project is great for practicing cutting and gluing skills AND makes a great display.

Put out  supplies and a copy of this image; have kids  make their own version...Source Art teacher Michal Austin

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RANCH and 'OLD WEST' WEAVING
Materials: Chicken Wire, tape, natural raffia, gingham ribbon, old blue jeans etc.
Directions:
1. Cut squares of small-holed chicken wire.
2. Put masking tape around the sharp edges.
3. Set out assorted lengths of natural raffia, gingham ribbons and narrow strips ripped from old blue jeans.
4. The children weave them in and out of the holes.

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HAND PRINT HORSES #1 
Need: Brown paint, paper, brown marker
1. Take brown paint and paint a child's hand.
2. Press the hand down on paper--WITH fingers pointing down.
3. The fingers are the legs and the thumb is the head.
4. Draw the mane and hoofs; add eyes and tail...

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HORSE HAND DRAWING BY KINDERGARTENER  

 

Materials: 9x12" white paper, crayons
Transform  handprints into horses!
Trace around  hands with black crayon, then turn the paper over so the fingers are pointing down.
Have children draw details to turn the hands into a horse; add a background. Drawing by a Kindergarten student of Kansas art teacher Michael Austin.

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ANIMAL CRACKER PIN (Horses, sheep, cows, etc.)
To make this craft project you will need animal crackers, a flat backed pin, clear nail polish or varnish, and some craft glue. To begin coat your animal cracker with the polish or varnish in a well ventilated area and let it dry. Next glue it to a pin.

The sample made by KidActivities.net was first painted and then covered with many coats of clear nail polish.

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I'M A COWBOY/COWGIRL! Three project ideas...

Draw around child's body on a very large sheet of paper.
From this point you can go three ways.

1. Onto the traced bodies...have children draw on western gear, Cowboy hat, shirt vest, bandanna, jeans, boot, etc.
They'll look cute taped around the room..

2. You could also use the traced body shape and dress it much like a collage. Draw and color on a shirt.
Next--Use brown paper/grocery bags to make and glue on a vest and chaps.
Add a bandana made from napkins or paper with a western pattern. Can they make 'cowboy' hat shapes?
Finish off with boots made from brown or black construction paper.

3. MAKE A COLLAGE: Using the blank body shape, fill it in with anything and everything to do with the theme. Put magazines and more magazines on your parent's wish list. (Make sure the request goes out only for 'appropriate magazines)

Have children look for and cut out pictures of  cowboys, anything from western or frontier days, horses, cows, sheep, open land, mountains, rivers, sunsets, camp fires, marshmallows, franks and/or beans, farm houses, ranches, line dancing, boots, jeans, cowboy hats, barns, rodeos, bandanas, huitar, fiddles (violins), upright piano, cabins, anything Indian, etc. 

(TIP: you'll find a lot of theme related images in 'party catalogues' such as Oriental Trading, Shindigz, etc,)

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MAKE YARN DOLLS

There was a time when 'frontier mothers' made yarn dolls for their young children--and older kids made them for themselves! 
For directions visit the 'Yarn Doll' page

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MAKE INDIAN HEAD BANDS AND VEST

THE BASIC BAND: Cut a 2" wide strip of paper long enough to go around the head with an overlap of about 1". Staple ends together.

• INDIAN HEAD DRESS #1: Make a basic band; tape or staple feathers to the band.

• INDIAN HEADBAND #2: Cut brown construction paper into strips; fit it around child’s head and staple or tape ends together. Cut feathers out of scrap.

• INDIAN VEST TO GO WITH HEADBANDS: Cut a vest from a brown paper bag, cut a slit up the front and neck and arm holes. To decorate, either cut out construction paper shape (arrows, sun, designs, etc.) and glue them on.

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HATS FOR LITTLE 'COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS'

Staple a Styrofoam bowl onto a sturdy paper plate. (Decorate/color/paint the hat parts 'before or after' joining of bowl and hat.)
Punch a hole each side of where the bowl is stapled. Put a long string, ribbon or sturdy yarn through the holes-- tie loosely under the chin. Be sure to put together so no choking is possible.

 Updated May, 2013

WESTERN GRUB/SNACKS

(Great 'Decorating Ideas' and 'Themed Jokes' are below Food Ideas)

 

• Beans & Franks
• Pork & beans--made from dried beans and chunks of salt pork
• Hot Dogs & Chips
• Chili
• Chili laddled over/in a bag of Fritos (Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese)
• Beef stew (Cooked in a crock pot all day with  potatoes, carrots & onion, etc)
• Sloppy Joes......Macaroni & Cheese
• Barbequed Beef, Ribs, or Chicken
• Corn on the Cob, Watermelon
• Cornbread

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TRAIL MIX TIPS...

Are you serving a group of kids that all like something different? Put out several ingredients from the below list:

• Raisins
• Goldfish crackers, plain or cheese
• Chex cereal
• Life cereal
• Cheerios
• Square pretzels or pretzel sticks
• Nuts (only if no children in your group are allergic to nuts)
• Raisins or Yogurt covered raisins, sunflower seeds, etc.
• Your choice of M&M's, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, small chewy candies, etc.

1. Put the variety of ingredients out in bowls.
2. After children wash their hands--give them each a baggie. (To keep track of whose is whose - have them write their name on it) The ingredients will then go into each child's baggie with their choice of mixes.

TIP: Let children know how much 'measurement-wise' they can take of offered foods; also how many choices they can have. Example: Eash child can take 1/2 cup of 4 food choices offered.

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TRAIL MIX RECIPES...

A GENERAL GUIDE TO TRAIL MIX
1.  In a large bowl, add any type of cereals (Cheerios, Kix, Rice Krispies, etc.)
2.  Mix in pretzel sticks, fish crackers, small snack crackers, raisins, oyster crackers, M&M's, etc. Almost anything that is left-over in the pantry.
3.  Mix well, and place in individual sandwich baggies or paper cups.
This is a great "take-along field trip snack" or "take it outdoors snack"... It will also help you clean out those "little leftovers" in your food storage.
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ANIMAL MIX FOR HUMANS
Ingredients:
2 cups animal shaped graham crackers
1 cup salted peanuts
1/2 cup M&M’s
1/2 cup raisins
Mix together. Store in sandwich bags or covered container.

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FROOT LOOPS TRAIL MIX
1 (15 ounce) box Fruit Loops cereal
1 15 ounce) bag mini pretzel twists
1 (1 pound) bag M&M's
1 box raisins
1 can salted peanuts
Mix all together and store in airtight container.

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GOOBERS TRAIL MIX

2 cups 'NESTLE GOOBERS' Milk Chocolate-Covered Peanuts
2 cups small pretzel twists
Miniature marshmallows
1 cup raisins
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apples
Combine Goobers, pretzels, marshmallows, raisins, apricots and apples in large bowl.
Makes 10 servings.
Recipe Source: Nestle & Meals.com

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SERVE GRAIN MIX!
Mix pretzels, Corn Pops, Rice Chex, etc.
Pre-make or put ingredients out---and have children mix what they like...

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RANCH YARD SLOP SNACK
Put out chocolate pudding.
In separate bowls put out M&M's, nuts, raisins, coconut, cereal, candy sprinkles, chopped apples and bananas!
Have children add and mix in what they like! Enjoy!

Visit the'Snack Mix' recipe page for other ideas

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OTHER FOOD IDEAS...

 MAKE HOMEMADE BUTTER just like the pioneers!
Need:
Baby food jars
A bowl of ice
Small bowl to put the butter in the ice
Spoon to press butter on the bowl
Measuring spoon

1. Put 2 tablespoons whipping cream in each baby food jar.

2. Put lid on tightly and shake as long as can.

3. Remove lid and pour off excess liquid.

4. Spoon butter into the smaller bowl and set this bowl in the bowl of ice.

5. As butter chills, continue to press it again the side of the bowl to get rid of any remaining liquid.

6. When ready…enjoy on some good bread or rolls!
    Tip: To speed up the process you can add a marble to the jar when shaking

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'NO BAKE' HAYSTACK COOKIES

 

2 cups (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups butterscotch chips (or peanut butter if no allergies)
½ tsp. vanilla
3 cups chow mien noodles
Optional: May add 1 cup chopped walnuts or peanuts.
Melt chips; mix in noodles until coated well.
Drop
By teaspoon onto was paper. Put in refrigerator to set.
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 COW CHOW...Make the always popular 'Puppy Chow' but call it Cow Chow!

1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
12 ounces chocolate chips
1 large box Crispix
2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
 
1. Melt peanut butter, margarine and chocolate chips.
2. Pour mixture over large box Crispix; coat well.
3. In a paper bag or very large bowl... put 2 1/2 cups confectioner sugar.
4. Add coated cereal and gently coat cereal. Cover well...

Note: The mixture actually tastes better after a day or two. The cereal absorbs the chocolate mixture! Yummy!

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HAYSTACK COOKIES #2 (NO BAKE)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup salted peanuts
4 cups chow mein noodles
Melt chips and peanut butter in microwave. Blend together.
Stir in peanuts and noodles gently in the peanut butter mixture.
Drop dough by forkfuls onto wax paper. Cool until set. Yummy 

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MAKE HAYSTACKS of potato sticks and pretzels

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MARSHMALLOW HAYSTACKS
This is a great variation to the rice cereal treat recipe.
Using traditional 'Rice Krispies recipe'...replace the rice cereal with corn flake cereal.
Follow the instructions combining the cereal, melted marshmallow and butter mixture. Mold the cereal mixture into the shape of haystacks.

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DON'T FORGET TO MAKE S'MORES!

 Is there anything food-wise that conjures up more 'gooey fun'?!   Check out the S'Mores page with ideas for versions of... bonfire, microwave, oven, freezer, brownies, fudge and more! You'll soon be saying, "Give me some more!"

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BEVERAGES...

PURPLE COW

Ingredients
1 cup milk
1 sliced banana
¼ cup unsweetened grape juice
Mix all ingredients together in a blender.
Makes 4-6 small servings

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BLACK COW (recipe makes 1)
Ingredients:
Root Beer, vanilla ice-cream, chocolate syrup
Directions:
Place 2 tablespoons of syrup in bottom of large glass. Add root beer, stirring until liquid is within 2 inches of top of glass. Add a huge scoop of ice cream.

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MAKE CACTUS JUICE

You can adapt any favorite 'punch' recipe and call it Cactus Juice! A couple ideas...
1. Pour cold lemon lime soda into a punch bowl. Add lime sherbet.
2. Make green Kool-Aid and add lemon lime soda. Lime sherbet could also be added to this.

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ROOR BEER/SASPARILLA (Sasparilla is 'Old fashioned' root beer in brown bottles)

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LEMONADE or Sweet Tea...

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SERVING FOOD...IT'S ALL ABOUT  PRESENTATION!

→ Make a sign saying "SALOON' for the area where drinks are served.
→ Hang a sign that says 'CHUCK WAGON or GRUB' over the buffet table/serving area.

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SETTING THE TABLE...

→ Use Bandanas for place mats or napkins.
→ Use red check tablecloths or bandana print table cloths. Red and white roll paper (butcher paper) would also work.
→ Use a cowboy hat for a centerpiece and fill it with candy or a vase of field-like flowers...

→ Mason jars would  make nice vases for field or wild flowers. An old cowboy boot fitted with an interior vase would also be great holding wild flowers!

→ Do you have an 'old' toy train set? If so --place it on the table with an appropriate center piece or cake in the center.

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SERVE FOOD OUT OF...

• MAKE SNACK FEED BAGS
On small burlap bags write the word "Feed" with a black sharpie pen. 
Fill the bags with any snack mix.
Tie the top with twine.

• STRAW COWBOY HATS
Line the hats with napkins and a bandana or two. Fill with snack type food such as chips, candy, snack mix, pretzels, etc.

• Serve food in PIE TINS...or aluminum or tin PAILS/BUCKETS of various sizes. Use tin pie tins as plates!

• Serve root beer, lemonade or sweet tea in MASON JARS and/or beer mugs. 

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DECORATING & SETTING THE MOOD

LIVEN UP YOUR "WESTERN" TOWN or RANCH WITH SIGNS SUCH  AS...

•  Welcome all Cowboys and Cowgirls (or Buckaroos or Cowpokes) Place sign at main entrance.
•  OUTHOUSE (Place by bathroom door)
•  No Bandits or Outlaws Allowed in this Town!
•  How about...No Spittin, Drinken or Chewin allowed on the premises!
•  Grub (Placed over food table)  • Saloon (Placed by beverages)

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DECORATE WITH CUT-OUT 'WESTERN TOWN' SHAPES
 
Purchase cut-out shapes/decorations of Cactus, Cowboys/Cowgirls, Horses, etc. These can be purchased at any local party store or on line at places such as Oriental Trading, Shindigz, Birthday Express, etc.

Although they are expensive, large cut-outs of "old west buildings" are also available from many on-line party sources!

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 MAKE A JAIL or SHERIFF'S OFFICE!

 A great photo op and decoration in one!

 

1. Using a large refrigerator box carton--paint the outside a stone color or brick design.
2. Carefully cut out a large square or rectangle shape window. Either cut the window leaving cardboard 'bars' or later add the bars by taping on 'jail bars'.
The 'jail' can be made where the children can enter and look through the bars...or flat where it leans against a wall as a decoration.
3. If room, add 'Wanted" posters to the outside of the jail. (Image source of refrigerator jail is from RubyLemons blog site)

Idea: if you are making the 'jail' as a flat decoration, consider making other building exteriors such as saloon, bank, general store, etc. You may be able to find large boxes at nearby furniture or appliance stores.

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HAVE A WHEEL BARROW?

Fill it with soft toy ranch/farm animals.

 

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BALES OF HAY plus more...
YEE HAW...Welcome party or theme participants with a fun entrance! Stick a "Welcome Buckaroos"  or "Cowpokes" sign into a bale of hay. If the event is being held outdoors, place other bales around for atmosphere. For outdoor parties, bales of hay also make great seating...either around the eating table or here and there!

• Logs/wood placed in strategic spots can also make a dramatic statement.

• Horshoes, Old wagon-wheels,  bandanas, lanterns, oil lamps, cowboy boots, a saddle,  ropes, Wanted Posters, balloons, and streamers also add to the western festivities!

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 BALLOONS WITH BLACK PATCHES

(Cow Spots)

 

Either purchase ballons already colored in black and white cow patches/spots-- or paint black patches onto white balloons.

Balloon Ideas: Tie onto each guests chair; group around the party area; place at front entrance with bale of hay; use on tables as centerpieces or on the 'grub' table; hang a very large bunch from the ceiling over a main table or center of the room. It will not be filled with hellium, so if grouped together tightly, will resemble a chandelier.

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HAVE SOME FUN WITH JOKES!

JOKES TO TELL ON THE RANCH...

  Besides sharing the following jokes, what can you do with them?

Use this JOKE AND PUNCH LINE Activity... Great for connecting and for an ice-breaker!
 •  Write a joke on one card and a punch line on another. Be sure to mix the cards up. The number of different jokes depends on the size of the group.

• Give each person a card. Explain that they may have a joke or a punch line on the card. On a given signal, they are to walk around the group trying to find the other part of their joke/punch line.

• When they find their other half, you may ask them to get to know their new partner by asking things like favorite ice cream or dream vacation etc...

 • When this is done, everyone can return to a circle and with their partner, tell their joke.

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JOKES...

What do you say to a cow that crosses in front of your car?
Mooo-ve over.

Why do cows have bells?
Because their horns don't work.

What do you get when you cross a cow with a duck?
Milk and quackers.

What do you get when you cross a cow with a rabbit?
Hare in your milk!

Why do cows use the doorbell?
Because their horns don't work!

What happened when the cow jumped over the barbed wire fence?
It was an udder catastrophe!

Where do cows go on Friday night?
To the moo-vies.
 
Why did the rancher buy a brown cow?
Because he wanted chocolate milk.

What do you get if you cross a sheep and a porcupine?
An animal that knits its own sweaters.

What runs around a ranch but doesn't move?
A fence.

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This is Page 2; return to Page 1: Western Theme Art and Crafts  (And TONS of games!)

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