LITERACY... POEMS...SONGS...

 
FOUR IDEAS FOR PROGRAM COOKBOOKS...

IDEA # 1
Have the children write or dictate their own recipes for a Thanksgiving feast. Write each recipe on a large index card and ask them to illustrate their recipes. Then mount the recipe cards below the pictures.

IDEA # 2 (Similar to #1) 
Give each child a clip-art decorated page and have them write or dictate their favorite recipe (from their perspective) and compile all into a "center cook book". You will come out with a very humorous book! 

 IDEA #3
You could also put the recipes together and make a "Class  Book" to display at your parents' center.

 IDEA #4
Ask each child to bring a favorite "real" Thanksgiving Family recipe from home. Compile all and make a cookbook for each family!

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TURKEY DAY WISH...
This would be really cute for your November Newsletter (October if you live in Canada) or posted at your 'Info Center'. It could also be said at your Turkey-Day table!!! 

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your Turkey be plump...
May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize...
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

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FIVE LITLE TURKEYS #1

5 little turkeys were standing by a door...
One saw some corn, and then there were four.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!
 
4 little turkeys flew up in a tree...
One fell down and then there were three.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!
 
3 little turkeys gobbled as they do...
A dog chased one and then there were two.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!
 
2 little turkeys strutting in the sun...
The wind came along and then there was one.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!

1 little turkey saw a farmer come; He ran far away and then there were NONE!

FIVE LITTLE TURKEYS #2

Five little turkeys standing at the door,
One waddled off, and then there were four.

Four little turkeys sitting near a tree,
One waddled off,and then there were three.

Three little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, and then there were two.

Two little turkeys in the morning sun,
One waddled off, and then there was one.

One little turkey better run away,
For soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.

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THE TURKEY

The turkey is a funny bird
Its head goes bobble-bobble...

And all he knows is just one word...
And that is GOBBLE-GOBBLE!

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Love this idea from lilteacher... DISGUISED TURKEYS! 

Children took home a copy of a plain turkey. The fun was to disguise the turkey in a creative manner! If you're concerned that parents in your program are in the mist of time-challenge constraints--form groups of 2 to 4 children to come up with their own version of a "Disguised Turkey"!  Create a wonderful display with their vision!

Put names of the 'Turkey" under the creations. Example: Gramma Turkey, Santa Turkey, Superman, etc.

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ALBUQUERQUE TURKEY SONG 
(Sung to tune of: My Darlin Clementine)

Albuquerque is a turkey
And he's feathered and he's fine...
And he wobbles and he gobbles
And he's absolutely mine!

He's the best pet you can get yet
Better than a dog or cat
He's my Albuquerque turkey
And I'm awfully proud of that!

And my Albuquerque turkey
Is so happy in his bed-
'Cause for our Thanks-giving Dinner...
We have spaghetti innnnn-stead

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Instead of the Hokey Pokey Dance--do THE TURKEY JERKY

You put your right wing in, you put your right wing out,
You put your right wing in, and you gobble all about.
You do the turkey jerky and you turn yourself around,
That's what it's all about.
Next would be:
Left wing
Drumsticks
Head
Tail feathers
Turkey body

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LYRICS TO 'OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS'...

Over the river and through the wood
To Grandfather's house we go.
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood --
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring,
Ting-a-ling-ling!
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood,
Trot fast, my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground
Like a hunting hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go
Extremely slow --
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood --
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurray for the pumpkin pie!

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TURKEY QUIZ & DISCUSSION--HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW?

 

The turkey is one of the most famous birds in North America.  In fact, Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the wild turkey, not the Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States!

1. What is a male turkey called?
2. What is  female turkey called?
3. What is a baby turkey called?
4. Where will you find the turkey's wattle?
5. What is a Gizzard?
6. Where and what are the turkey's caruncles?
7. Where is the turkey's snood?
8. How big are wild turkeys? (How tall and average weight)
9. How many babies do turkeys have?

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS...

1. A male turkey is called a Tom or a Gobbler.

2. A female turkey is called a hen.

3. A poult is a baby turkey.(A chick)
When the  poults hatch, they flock with their mother all year including the winter).
After the turkey begins to grow--A young male turkey is called a "jake" and a young female is called a "jenney."

4. A Wattle is the flap of skin under the turkey's chin. It turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.

5. A Gizzard is  part of a bird's stomach that contains tiny stones.  It helps them grind up food for digestion.
 
6. The caruncle is the growth of skin that dangle from the turkey's chin--the throat region. It turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.
 
7. The snood is the growth of skin that droops over the gobbler's bill. (The flap of skin that hangs over the turkey's beak) It turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.

8. Wild turkeys are about 3 to 4 feet tall.
The male turkey weighs between 16 and 24 pounds and the female is smaller and only weighs between eight and 10 pounds.

9. A turkey hen lays an average of eight to 17 eggs. She lays them one at a time in a nest built on the ground. After several weeks when all the eggs have been laid, she begins to sit on them to incubate, or keep them warm. After 28 days the eggs are ready to hatch.

OTHER FUN FACTS...
Wild turkeys can run fast---up to 25 miles per hour. They can also fly up to 50 miles per hour. In the right conditions (still and quiet), a turkey's gobble caan be heard up to one mile away!

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Check out the Category with Thanksgiving Jokes!

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TURKEY-FEST! HAVE A PROGRAM  THANKSGIVING POTLUCK BUFFET

1.) Weeks ahead---Post and hand-out a save-the date. Invite parents to attend and have them sign up to bring in foods traditional to Thanksgiving such as:
Turkey, sweet potatoes, vegetables, applesauce, pies, fruits, etc.

2.) Estimate the amounts you will need and put out a sign-up sheet with how much you'll need.

Example-
Pies:                                      Salads     
1. ____________              1.__________________

2. ____________              2. __________________ 

3. ____________              3. __________________

4. ___________

5. _____________

 
3.) Parents then sign up for their choice. Be sure to tell them to bring their contribution ready to go and serve!
Have the center provide juice, water, sturdy plates, napkins and utensils.

4.) Time is short for us all; however, there are so many good food stores that make excellent turkey breast, chicken pieces, potatoes, fruit, etc. Tell families their contribution does not need to be home-made!

5.) For the feast, have children make THEMED-PLACE MATS and decorations the weeks before the event! Give all a role in the fun celebration!

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TURKEY TALES...

 • I KNOW AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A PIE... by Alison Jackson, Judith Byron Schachner (Illustrator)
Great twist of the classic - I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. I know an old lady who swallowed a pie, a Thanksgiving pie, which was really too dry. And with that the feast begins! After the pie the old lady swallows a whole squash, all of the salad, and the entire turkey! As Mother and Father watch in shock, the two children are delighted to see the old lady growing fatter and fatter. And, in the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities.

• IN NOVEMBER...by Cynthia Rylant, Jill Kastner (Illustrator)
In November, the air grows cold and the earth and all of its creatures prepare for winter. Animals seek food and shelter. And people gather together to celebrate their blessings with family and friends. This book is a great resource to share at Thanksgiving time, as it honors family traditions of this seasonal month.

• THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING... by Natasha Wing, Tammie Lyon (Illustrator)
A creative spin on the Clement C. Moore classic, The Night Before Thanksgiving is a warm, whimsical celebration of everyone's favorite fun-filled, family-filled, food-filled holiday! Follow along as the feast is prepared, cousins are greeted, and thanks are given, all with an extra helping of holiday fun.

• SOMETIMES IT'S TURKEY-SOMETIMES IT'S FEATHERS..by Lorna Balian, Humbug Books, 1994

• GRACIAS THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY, by Joy Cowley, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda, Scholastic Press, 1998

THE TURKEY SAVES THE DAY, by Shelagh Canning, Illistrated by Doug Cushman, Troll Assoociates, Inc., 1997

NON-FICTION...

• ALL ABOUT TURKEYS, by Jim Arnosky, Scholastic Press, 1998

• WILD TURKEYS, by Dorthy Hinshaw Patent, Photographs by Wiliam Munoz, Lerner Publications Co, 1999

All books are at Library, bookstores, and Amazon.com

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 Poems and Songs are towards the bottom of page...

GHOST WIND SOCKS

Materials:
White card stock or poster board
Black permanent marker
Stapler
Glue
White crepe paper streamers, String, yarn, or twine

1. Draw a ghost face on the white poster board using the black marker.
2. Roll the poster board into a tube shape and staple the overlapping ends together securely.
3. Cut long strips out of the crepe streamers. Glue or staple them all around the bottom of the wind sock.
4. Cut a piece of string about 2 1/2 feet long and staple the ends to opposite sides of the top of the wind sock to hang.

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HALLOWEEN NOISE SHAKER (Also makes a great DOORKNOB HANGER)
Materials: For each shaker need two paper plates, dry beans, orange paint, paper scraps, yarn, scissors, glue

1. Paint the back of each plate orange.
2. When paint is dry--create facial features out of paper scraps (black or brown would be good) and glue onto the plate.
3. Around the outer edge of plates, staple them together--leaving an opening at the top. Drop in a handful of beans (enough to make a sound).
4. If desired, insert a green rectangle stem into the top opening and staple the pumpkin closed.
5. With a hold punch. punch a hole on each side or the STEM. Thread and tie the yarn.
6. The jack-o-lantern can be hung from a doorknob or used to shake as a musical instrument.

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PAPER PLATE GHOSTS
Materials:
White Paper Plates
White Streamers
Black Marker
Hole Punch
String

•Draw a 'ghost face' on the paper plate. Tape white streamers to the back of the paper plate. Make them long enough so  they look like a ghost. 
•Punch a hole in the top of the plate; tie on string.
•Hang the ghosts from the ceiling, windows or outdoor trees (if not raining).

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BULLETIN BOARD IDEA...

Cut out ghost shapes of different kinds and have children decorate them with scraps of white material, cotton balls, tissue paper, etc.
Paste a picture of each child's face on the ghost and hang them on a bulletin board with the heading: What A "BOOtiful" Class!

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OPEN ART PUMPKIN TABLE...

 Provide each child with a pumpkin. Put out a variety or paints and decorating supplies. Instruct children to be their most creative and personalize their pumpkin! If this is an activity for a party-it can also double as a party favor!

The pumpkins on the chair are  a small portion of pumpkins created by Notre Dame Prep Academy in Pontiac, Mi. They were done as a service project and given to an Assisted Living Home to brighten up the residents' dining room.

The second was created by Bria-age 5-- at an Autumn Birthday party. The last (two pumpkins) was an activity at a school-age program in Conway, S.C. (First two images by KidActivities.net)

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SPAGHETTI COBWEBS 
Materials:
Cold Cooked Spaghetti noodles 
White glue
Wax paper
 
Have children dip spaghetti into the glue and arrange the pieces onto wax paper.
When the spaghetti dries, carefully peel the "cobweb" off of the wax paper. 
Hang from the ceiling or on a window.

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CREATE A MONSTER... Materials: Glue, construction paper, scissors, old magazines (and anything with pictures in it), crayons/markers

Cut out facial features, hair, arms and legs from old magazines, newspapers and/or junk mail. (Have body parts cut out before the project begins. You can do this yourself-or have a 'group-cut' previous to this)

Once all random parts are assembled -- put them out and challenge kids to create their own original Frankenstein.
There should be some pretty interesting creatures with mismatched eyes, three or four legs, or who knows what!
When complete, have children tell you all about the monster they've created! (i've done this with kids--and they really are a fun project to do!)

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PAPER BAG PUMPKIN

 

Directions most often seen...
1. Starting with a lunch size paper bag-- crumble-up some paper and stuff the lunch bag.
2. Tie the top with string leaving about 2 inches of space at top.
3. Paint the bottom portion with orange tempera paint and the top brown (for the stem).
Copy a leaf pattern on green paper, felt or foam -- cut it out--glue or staple it to base of stem.

Optional but nice: Wrap green or brown pipe cleaners around the pumpkin stem for vines. (Give the pipe cleaner vine a curly look by spiraling it around a pencil and then twisting it onto the stem. You can make a jack-o-lantern by painting or drawing a face on your orange paper bag.

Tip:
I prefer to make these by first painting the paper bag orange. Have the kids open the bag  and place it on their hand (like a puppet) They will be able to then paint all sides. 
Leave the top 1- to 2-inches of the bag brown.
While you are waiting for the paint to dry, cut a couple of leaf shapes out of green felt, craft foam, or construction paper...and proceed from there. (Barb)
Images: Thanks to About.com  (image with pipe cleaner vines) and Kaboose

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JACK-O-LANTERN ORANGES
Materials:
Oranges
Whole Cloves
Toothpicks-or something to poke holes in the oranges

After poking a hole with a needle, fork, or tooth pick, insert cloves into oranges in a decorative jack-o-lantern face pattern.

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A NOT TOO SCARY HALLOWEEN YARN GHOST 

 

This guy is from the Craft Category of Yarn Dolls. Directions for making the "head" is there....After you've made the head--stop! Just trim the bottom loops and add google eyes and a spooky plastic spider!

 

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STYROFOAM SPIDERS
Materials:
1 Styrofoam Ball
1 Large Black Pom-pom
4 to 8 Black Pipe Cleaners
2 Googley Eyes
Black Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Glue or glue gun
Scissors

1. Paint the Styrofoam ball black. 
2. Once dry, glue on the black pom-pom to one side of the ball. This is the head of the spider.
3. Glue the googley eyes to the black pom-pom.
4. To make legs--insert the black pipe cleaners into the Styrofoam ball.
5. For long legs use 8 full-length pipe cleaners and bend into shape. For shorter legs, take 4 pipe cleaners and cut in half; use these half sized pieces to form the legs. (Image by KidActivities.net)

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TISSUE TUBE SPIDER STAMPING
Take an empty toilet or paper cardboard roll.
For the spider's legs, cut eight parts, Make them even in width. Go up high enough to bend the legs up.
Holding the top, dip it in black paint and make a spider.
Use google eyes to finish.

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REAL PUMPKIN STAMPING!
Buy several small, real pumpkins. 
Cut them in half. 
Have children dip the pumpkin halves into paint to make prints.

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HALLOWEEN COOKIE CUTTER PRINTS
Buy an assortment of halloween cookie cutters. 
Dip cookie cutters into paint and press them onto paper. 
This makes really cool prints!

Also remember to pull out the Halloween cookie cutters when playing with play dough this month! See 'Pumpkin Theme' for directions on making 'Pumpkin Pie Scented' play dough. (Recipe in middle of page)

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GHOST PENCIL TOPPER
Materials: Pencils-preferable black, Halloween themed, orange or white black
White tissue
Fine tip black marker
rubber bands

Crumple two or more tissues to form a ball.
Place the ball (the ghost head) on top of the pencil. Use a double layer of flat tissue to put over the ball (the body) and the pencil.
Wrap a rubber band around the base of the ball and the flat tissue.
Draw a face on the tissue with black marker.

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HALLOWEEN JAR
Materials:
Clean baby food or small jam jar with leak proof screw top lid; corn syrup
Small Halloween craft items such as: plastic spiders, insects, witches, ghosts, etc.; Halloween confetti with bat, spider and pumpkin shapes
Marbles, glass stones or small pebbles
Optional: Silicone caulking

1. Add a layer of marbles to the bottom of the jar.

2. Add a large Halloween figure to the jar. Although it is not necessary, you may want to glue this to the center of the upside down jar lid so that it remains stationary while the other objects float around it. If so, use waterproof silicone caulking (the kind used for fish tanks is excellent) to cement the base of the figure in place. Let dry.

3. Add a selection of Halloween confetti pieces.

4. Pour in clear corn syrup to fill the jar. If you are adding a figure glued to the lid, remember to allow space for this so the syrup doesn't overflow.(Clear Dippity Do Hair gel also gives an interesting effect. It's thick-- so items and gels would be alternately placed in the jar.)

5. Screw on the lid. If desired, you can run a bead of silicone caulking around the lid to secure it permanently. Activate your Halloween scene by shaking or inverting the jar so you can see the confetti and marbles floating slowly around.

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POP BOTTLE GHOST

1. Put white tempera paint inside empty 2-liter soda bottles.
2. Have children roll bottle around until inside is covered in white.
3. Paint on face with black acrylic paint. Let dry completely.
4. Remove cap and let inside dry. Once dry, replace cap.
5. At this point yarn/string can be tied around top of bottle to hang... or left to sit.

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HALLOWEEN BOTTLE

1. Take an empty, clear 20 oz. bottle add orange colored water or have children add red and yellow food coloring if you want to demonstrate how the color orange is made.
2. Add Halloween confetti of bats, moons, witches, ghosts, glitter

If you would like items to move more slowly in the bottle--use a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 corn syrup--instead of all water.

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PAPER PLATE MASKS (Half-face Style)
Spooky or Pretty...whichever kids wish!
 
1. Cut a sturdy paper plate in half.
2. Staple a tongue depressor to the bottom right hand corner.
3. Cut a slot in the middle of the half plate to look through.
Put out a variety of materials for  children to glue onto their mask.
Markers, paint, feathers, yarn, shiny papers, egg carton bumps, buttons, Styrofoam, pieces, etc.

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CONTACT PAPER JACK-O-LANTERN
Cut a pumpkin shape out of contact paper and lay it-sticky side up- on a table.
Have children cover the contact paper with orange tissue paper squares and black paper features.

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COOL WHIP LID AND GROCEY SACK GHOST
Materials:
2 sheer white plastic grocery sacks
2 white pipe cleaners
Cool whip Lid or similar round lid
Scotch Tape
Glue Stick
Black yarn
scissors
Hole Punch

Glue eye and mouth on front of lid.
Cut off any writing, graphics, and handles from the sacks.
Lay sacks down flat. With scissors, shred 2" strips of sacks-- leaving at least 1" area intact next to the seam.

Turn the lid over on a flat surface. Bend and insert the pipe cleaner/seam into the ridge around the bottom 1/2 of the lid. Tape to secure in place.

Repeat with the second sack and stem and insert it in the ridge around the upper 1/2 of the lid.

Punch a hole through the top of the lid.
Thread a length of yarn through the hole appropriate for hanging.

A loop can also be made on the end of a 11/2 ' length, so children can hold and run with them. They 'fly' nicely and kids appear to being chased by a little ghost.

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HAPPY FACE-SCARY FACE STICK PUPPET (Or Stick-Mask)

On orange paper, have children draw a medium size pumpkin-- or trace a pumpkin-face template. Cut-out the shape. On one side design a happy jack-o-lantern face---and on the other side, design a scary or sad-faced jack-o-lantern. Tape the pumpkin face to a large size craft stick.

Talk about what makes the jack-o-lantern happy; what makes the jack-o-lantern sad or scary? If children are young-discuss the pumpkin faces being 'pretend'.

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HALLOWEEN COFFEE CAN BANKS (Use those recycled cans!)

To cover a 10-13 oz. coffee can--cut orange paper rectangles about 5" by 14". Remove the coffee can plastic lids; using tape, wrap the cans with the paper.

Have kids design and cut out jack-o-lantern facial features and stems from scrap paper. Glue the facial features and stem to the can. Using a knife or scissors, cut a coin slot in the lid of the banks.

You can also make smaller banks using frosting/icing containers.

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DANCING GHOSTS
Materials:
White cloth material cut into approximatly 18" x 18" squares
Ping pong or Styrofoam balls
White pipe cleaners or twist ties
Long straws (non-bendable)
Hot glue gun
Black permanent marker

With caution, hot glue a ping pong ball onto the top of a straw.
After glue dries, center the white cloth over the ping pong ball.
Make the ghost's head by twisting a pipe cleaner/tie between the ball and straw. 
Finish off with black marker eyes and mouth.

Hold the straw to make the ghost dance/walk/fly/play.

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A COUPLE IDEAS FROM cereschildcare (SPIDER & WITCH)

PAPER PLATE SPIDERS

(With the letter 'S' or not)

 

Paint a paper plate all black.
Cut 8 strips of black construction paper
Fold the legs accordian style. Younger children fold randomly.
Glue to the back of the plate and add wiggle eyes.
Hang from a black string.
Add A splotch of red to make it look like a black widow. The sample image sponge painted letter "S" for Spider as part of the day's lesson plan.

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PAPER PLATE WITCH

 

Paint a paper plate green.
Trace and cut childs hands on orange construction paper. Glue to the plate for the witch hair.
Add a black witch hat.
Draw on a face.

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SPOOKY GHOST HANDPRINT TREE
On large white paper, draw a black or brown, gnarly tree.
Have each child paint their hand with white paint.
Put the painted hand with fingers pointed down on/from the gnarled branches.
After the 'ghosts' have dried-- have each child to draw a face on their handprint. Makes a great Halloween display!

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MISCELLANEOUS HALLOWEEN FUN!

DOES YOUR SCHOOL FROWN ON COSTUMES AT HALLOWEEN TIME ? CONSIDER FACE PAINTING!
If your school doesn't allow students to wear costumes to school...Consider holding a 'Creative Hat parade" complete with colorful face paint!

Extension: A GREAT HALLOWEEN TIME (OR ANY-TIME IDEA!)
Have children make instruments (See Making Instruments Category)  When complete... start a musical Halloween parade through your neighborhood! This is actually an activity that can take place over a couple days.

1. Make instruments.
2. Practice
3. Have a parade (with costumes if possible) If costumes are not possible, then make funny hats and face paint!

This is a wonderful idea for younger children. The kids love it and the neighbors will, too!

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Make a 'BUBBLING CAULDRON'
Materials: Cauldron, Water, Baking soda, Vinegar, Tablespoon, Cup, Pan or Tray

Place a cauldron on a pan or tray (cauldrons are abundant around Halloween; you can buy them at dollar stores.) Place 2 tbsp. of water in the cauldron and stir in 1 tbsp. of baking soda. In a separate cup, measure 2 tbsp. of vinegar. Pour it in and watch potion bubble!

Science explanation: Vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base. When they combine, it forms carbon dioxide.

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MAKE WITCH'S BREW SLIME

6 spoons glue
6 spoons water
2 spoons Borax
Green food coloring.

Mix to make 'WITCH'S SLIME'...

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HALLOWEEN SONGS and POEMS (See Halloween jokes here...)

PUMPKIN BELLS…
To the tune of Jingle Bells

Dashing through the streets
In our costumes bright and gay...
to each house we go
Laughing all the way.

Halloween is here,
Making spirits bright...
What fun it is to trick-or-treat
And sing Pumpkins carol tonight!

O, Pumpkin bells! Pumpkin bells:
Ringing loud and clear.
Oh what fun Great Pumpkin brings
When Halloween is here!

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IF YOU'RE A MONSTER...
To tune: If you're happy and you know it

If you're a monster and you know it wave your arms
If you're a monster and you know it wave your arms.
If you're a monster and you know then your arms will surely show it.
If you're a monster and you know it wave your arms. 

If you're a monster and you know it show your claws  
If you're a monster and you know it show your claws.  
If you're a monster and you know then your claws will surely show it.
If you're a monster and you know it show your claws.

Continue with:
...Stomp your feet
...Gnash your teeth
...Growl out loud

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THE HALLOWEEN SURPRISE STORY
Dad and I shopped for a pumpkin
To carve for Halloween.
The one we bought was round and fat,
The best we'd ever seen.

We took it home, and carefully
My dad cut off  the top.
We scooped the gloppy seeds all out
Onto paper--plop, plop, plop!

Next, Dad cut out the eyes and mouth,
Then he cut out the nose.
He winked at me and then he said,
"He'll be bald, I suppose."

I laughed and said, "Oh, Daddy,
Jack-o-lanterns' heads are bare.
I've never seen a single one
That had a head of hair!"

Then we took our pumpkin outside
With a candle for its light.
Our jolly jack-o-lantern glowed
So brightly in the night.

Long after I had gone to bed,
Snowflakes began to fall.
They covered up the bushes
And the garden and the wall.

In the morning I ran out to see
If my pumpkin was still there.
I found him sitting on the porch -
But now he had white hair!
Author Unknown

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PUMPKIN SONG
To tune of Found a Peanut

Pick a pumpkin, pick a pumpkin,
Pick a pumpkin just now...
I just now picked a pumpkin
Picked a pumpkin just now.
 
Cut the top off, cut the top off
Cut the top off just now...
I just now cut the top off,
Cut the top off just now.

Scoop the seeds, out, scoop the seeds out,
Scoop the seeeeeds out just now...
I just now scooped the seeds out
Scooped the seeds out ju-ust now.
 
Carved a face in, carved a face in
Carved a face in  just now...
I just now carved a face in it
Carved a face in it just now.
 
Stick a candle in it, stick a candle in it
Stick a candle in it now...
I just now stuck a candle in it
Stuck a candle in it just now.
 
I made a jack-o-latern, I made a jack-o-latern
Made a jck-o-latern just now...
I just now made a jack-ol-lantern
Made a jack-o-latern just now!
(Use appropriate hand motions with each verse)

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THE EIGHT DAYS OF HALLOWEEN
Sing to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
An Owl in a dead tree

On the second day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
2 trick or treaters and
An Owl in a dead tree

On the third day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
3 ghosts a booing
2 trick or treaters and
An Owl in a dead tree

On the fourth day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
4 shaky skeletons
3 ghosts a booing
2 trick or treaters and
An Owl in a dead tree

On the fifth day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
5 scary spooks!
4 shaky skeletons
3 ghosts a booing
2 trick or treaters and
An Owl in a dead tree

On the sixth day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
6 bats a flying
5 scary spooks!
4 shaky skeletons
3 ghosts a booing
2 trick or treaters and
An Owl in a dead tree

On the seventh day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
7 ghouls a groaning
6 bats a flying
5 scary spooks!
4 shaky skeletons
3 ghosts a booing
2 trick or treaters and
An Owl in a dead tree

On the eighth day of Halloween my true love gave to me:
8 witches cackling
7 ghouls a groaning
6 bats a flying
5 scary spooks!
4 shaky skeletons
3 ghosts a booing
2 trick or treaters and
An Owl in a dead tree...

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THE WITCH SONG
(Sung to tune of Ten Little Indians)

1 little, 2 little, 3 little witches
Fly over haystacks, fly over ditches,
Slide down the moonbeams without any hitches,
Hi, Ho, Halloween's here!

THREE LITTLE WITCHES Version #2

One little, two little, three little witches
Fly over haystacks and fly over ditches
Fly over moonbeams without any hitches
Hey, it's Halloween night.
 
One little, two little, three little witches
Fly over barb wire and tore their britches
Had to go home and get some stitches
Hey, it's Halloween night.

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BATS ARE SLEEPING
Sung to Frere Jacques

Bats are sleeping
Bats are sleeping
Upside down
Upside down...

Waiting for night to come
Waiting for night to come
Then they fly around
Then they fly around.

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FIVE LITTLE GHOSTS FINGER PLAY

The first little ghost floated by the store.
The second little ghost stood outside the door.
 
The third little ghost tried her best to hide.
The fourth little ghost stood by my side.
 
The fifth little ghost near the window sill,
And gave everybody a great big thrill.
The five little ghosts were all my friends,
And that is the way that this story ends.

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THREE LITTLE GHOSTS

Three little ghosts on Halloween night
Saw a witch and freaked in fright.
The witch just laughed and shouted, "Boo!"
One ghost ran home and then there were two.

Two little ghosts who shiver and shook
With every single step they took.
When the door opened wide
A goblin said to the other...
I'm going home and stay with my mother.

One little ghost can't have much fun,
so he ran home, and then there were none.

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LITTLE ORPHANT ANNIE (For school-age)
by James Whitcomb Riley

Little Orphant Annie's come to our house to stay,
An' wash the cups an' saucers up, an' brush the crumbs away,
An' shoo the chickens off the porch, an' dust the hearth, an' sweep,
An' make the fire, an' bake the bread, an' earn her board an' keep;
An' all us other childern, when the supper-things is done,
We set around the kitchen fire an' has the mostest fun
A-list'nin' to the witch-tales 'at Annie tells about,
An' the Gobble-uns 'at gits you
    Ef you
         Don't
            Watch
                   Out!

Wunst they wuz a little boy wouldn't say his prayers,--
An' when he went to bed at night, away upstairs,
His Mammy heerd him holler, an' his Daddy heerd him bawl,
An' when they turn't the kivvers down, he wuzn't there at all!
An' they seeked him in the rafter-room, an' cubby-hole, an' press,
An' seeked him up the chimbly-flue, an' ever' wheres, I guess;
But all they ever found wuz thist his pants an' roundabout:--
An' the Gobble-uns 'll git you
    Ef you
         Don't
            Watch
                   Out!

An' one time a little girl 'ud allus laugh an' grin,
An' make fun of ever' one, an' all her blood-an'-kin;
An' wunst, when they was "company," an' ole folks wuz there,
She mocked 'em an' shocked 'em, an' said she didn't care!
An' thist as she kicked her heels, an' turn't to run an' hide,
They wuz two great big Black Things a-standin' by her side,
An' they snatched her through the ceilin' 'fore she knowed what she's about!
An' the Gobble-uns 'll git you
    Ef you
         Don't
            Watch
                   Out!

An' little Orphant Annie says, when the blaze is blue,
An' the lamp-wick sputters, an' the wind goes woo-oo!
An' you hear the crickets quit, an' the moon is gray,
An' the lightnin'-bugs in dew is all squenched away,--
You better mind yer parunts, an' yer teachurs fond an' dear,
An' churish them 'at loves you, an' dry the orphant's tear,
An' help the pore an' needy ones 'at clusters all about,
Er the Gobble-uns'll git you
    Ef you
         Don't
            Watch
                   Out!

NOTE: This is fun if said with a 'southern accent'. I can still remember memorizing this in the 5th grade--and reciting it at a Parents' Day! (Barb)

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There are also several 'Pumpkin Poems and Songs' in the Autumn Pumpkin Theme. (Great for October and November!)

Also be sure to check out HALLOWEEN DECORATING IDEAS! There are artsy/crafty ideas and great ideas for decorating that great Halloween Party!

 

Back to Page one... for Halloween Arts and Crafts

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Art, Crafts, Games, Snacks, FYI, Book List, Community Service (great for older kids!), Jokes and lots of fun ideas! 

ADAPT TO MIXED AGE CHILDREN: 'Bear Themes' are usually for young children; however, this can also be adapted to mixed-age programs. Perhaps your school age participants would like to facilitate planning and presenting Teddy (and other) bear themed ideas? 

Older children could plan activities for the younger.  They could read books about Bears and write, produce and act out skits and plays based on those books. They could lead games and host and make decorations for a party. School Age participants could also lead a Community Service activity. (See below) An * has been placed before ideas that would be appropriated for school agers...there are more than 15 activities of this type.

Additionally, while younger children are actively involved in the below --older youth may be interested in studying and learning about different species of bears...they can make posters, display boards, drawings, research, write articles and present to each other. Pre-K to grade 1 children will enjoy a 'Teddy Bear' theme--but when working with mixed ages--get creative and also include activities for them!  'Teddy Bears and Other Bears' can also work for older school-age kids!

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ART AND CRAFTS...

*BEAR CAVE OR DIORAMA
1. Make the cave base using a small cardboard box or Styrofoam meat tray. 
2. For the cave-- staple or glue a brown crumpled paper bag to the base.
3. Add pine needles, straw, rocks/stones, twigs, moss, and sawdust.  
4. Tuck a 'teddy graham bear' or two inside the 'cave' to hibernate!

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*TEDDY BEAR WINTER BIRD FEEDER (Makes a nice Nature, Earth, and Craft project all in one!)
Materials Needed:
Bread
Teddy Bear shaped Cookie Cutter
Peanut Butter
Knife (to spread Peanut Butter)
Scissors or knife
Plate to dip bird seed
Bird Seed
Ribbon or Yarn

1. Toast bread 
2. Press  cookie cutter into the bread.
3. With scissors or knife, put a hole in the toasted bread shape.
4. Spread  peanut butter onto toast.
5. Place the toast--peanut butter side down-- on a plate of bird seed. Press lightly so the seeds stick in the peanut butter.

Put the yarn (or ribbon) in the hole of your cut out bread feeder. Hang from the trees outside for the birds to eat during the Winter

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*STILL LIFE ART:

Put out a couple teddy bears and invite children to draw what they see. These samples are by first grade children-Clay and Jonathon. Source: Michal Austin-TechyTeacher

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COFFEE GROUND SCENTED BEARS
1. Cut a teddy bear shape from heavy cardboard or cardstock. (You may want to make templates for the children to trace.) 
2. Cover the bear with glue - sprinkle fresh coffee grounds. Shake to remove extra grounds.

ALTERNATIVE SCENTS FOR ABOVE...
Use spices such as: nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, whatever smells good! Proceed as above.

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HONEYCOMB NECKLACES OR BRACELETS
Simple! Bears love honey so just string Honeycomb cereal! Put cereal on string and tie when complete--be sure to make long enough to get over the head. After wearing awhile, it makes a good snack!

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*CINNAMON DOUGH TEDDY BEAR TO HANG (Or use as ornaments)
Need:
Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Apple Sauce
Teddy Bear Cookie Cutters
Optional: Ribbon, Cloves, Drinking Straw

1. In a bowl mix the cinnamon and apple sauce together. If the mixture is too hard, add more apple sauce, if too thin, add more cinnamon.
2. Roll mixture on wax paper until it is about 1/4 " thick.
3. Cut our shapes with the cookie cutter.
4. If you will be hanging as ornaments, put a hole in the top area of the shapes. (Use a straw to cut a perfect size hole.)
Option: Add clove to decorate the bears. Gently apply pressure to push the cloves into the ornaments.

5. Dry the bears for one to two days. After bears are dried, tie a ribbon or yarn through the hole.

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FURRY (PUFFY PAINT) BEAR...

Make  bear-shaped templates for children to trace. (This project is best done on card-stock type paper) After bears are drawn-just follow one of the puffy paint recipe directions below...(Recipes are from KA's Paint/Coloring Recipe Category)

QUICK AND EASY  MICROWAVE PUFF PAINT
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon self-rising flour
Few little drops of food coloring
1 tablespoon salt
Add some water till it a smooth paste.
1.  Use this to paint on a thick sheet of cardboard.
You can also use Q-Tips if not enough brushes...
Microwave the design on high for 10 - 30 seconds until the paint puffs and it is dry.

PUFF PAINT #2
1 c. water
1 c. flour
1 c. salt
Separate into different squirt bottles and add POWDERED TEMPERA PAINT to create a rainbow of colors.

PUFF PAINT #3
Salt, Flour. Water, Tempera Paint
Mix equal amounts of flour, salt and water. Add LIQUED TEMPERA paint for color. Pour mixture into squeeze bottles and paint. Mixture hardens in a puffy shape.

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PANDA NOISEMAKER 

(This sample is child made)
   • Cut a circle the size of a paper plate out of a piece of white craft paper.
   • Cut two oval shapes for the ears and two small circles for the eyes out of black craft paper.
   • Cut one medium-sized circle out of white craft paper for the nose. Glue cutouts onto paper plate sized circle.
   • Cut out a small black triangle and glue onto nose.  Cut out two small white circles and glue onto eyes.
   • Glue face to the backside of a paper plate.
   •Fill paper plate with a handful of macaroni or beans and staple another paper plate to the reverse side to close.
   • Shake to make noise.

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MAKE A PLATE TEDDY BEAR FACE: Another easy paper plate idea...

Draw eyes. Draw nose and mouth on a cupcake liner (The muzzle). Glue the cupcake liner'paper-holder onto the plate. Add two cupcake liner ears. That's it! Plate will be as sophisticated or simple child's development.

The plate can then be glued/taped to a large craft stick and used as a puppet or mask.

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 *HONEY PLAY DOUGH FOR 'BEARS' (Not only art--but making play dough is also 'science'.)
Tip: If play dough is too sticky, butter child's hands before starting...

PLAYDOUGH #1  
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup honey
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup oatmeal

Mix ingredients in bowl with spoon or hands until well blended. Place playdough on wax paper. Make something and then eat it! (Be sure hands are washed well before starting.)

PLAYDOUGH #2 
1 c. peanut butter
1/4 c. honey
1/2 c. powdered milk

Mix together to make a playdough.
Optional: Wheat germ, coconut, decorations: raisins, nuts.
Use as regular playdough, then eat!

#3 PLAYDOUGH FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANT  
Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
4-6 oz. corn flour or corn meal

Combine together peanut butter and honey. Add the corn flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
Note: Corn muffin mix (Such as Jiffy-Mix) can be substituted for corn meal.

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GAMES and PHYSICAL ACTIVITY...

GUESS THE SCENT
Cut three bear shapes from a medium grade sand paper. 
Rub the sandpaper bears with different scents and have children guess what the scent is!

Scents that work well: cinnamon, orange, lemon or lime peel, peanut butter, garlic, etc. 

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PASS THE BEAR
Children sit in a circle.
Play music and when the music stops, the child left holding the bear is out. Reward the child with small treat.
 
If children are very young--have players clap for the child holding the bear instead of going out.

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*STICK THE HEART ON TEDDY 
This is a variation of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Draw a large bear on craft/roll paper.
Give each child a paper heart with their name or a number on it.

Blindfold each child when it's their turn. Turn them around and then have them place their heart on the bear's chest.

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*Honey, Bees and Bears...
TOSS THE BEES INTO THE HONEYPOT
 
Decorate small flower pots or buckets to look like honey pots.
Use small plastic bees or make some using yellow circles of cloth

which you have stuffed with dried beans--and then tied.(Much like bean bags) Another option is to use colored baby socks and fill them with dry beans and tie them closed with a piece of ribbon. Choose yellow socks for bees.

OPTIONAL:
Cut a large bee hive shape from construction paper. It should be large enough for a child to stand on with both feet. If necessary, cut two hives - one for each foot. If possible-laminate for repeated use.

If playing the game outdoors, use sidewalk chalk to draw a 'hive shape' on the hard surface.

Have each child take a turn standing on the hives and tossing the bees into the honey pots. Award one point for landing in the closest pot, two points for the middle pot, and three points for the farthest pot. If not using bee hives to stand on--mark a line to throw from.

____________

*TEDDY BEAR RELAY RACE
Play like a traditional relay race.

1.Form two or more teams. Each 'team' is given a stuffed bear.
2. Children line up and one by one run from one end of the course to the other while holding their bear. When they return to the staring point, they give the bear to the next child.
3. If the bear is dropped during the run, the player must return to the beginning and start over. The first team to have all players finish the race wins.

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*GUMMY BEAR RACE
Materials:
Gummy Bears
Paper plates
Corn flakes or Whipped cream

Hide one gummy bear on each paper plate in a pile of corn flakes or in a blop of whipped cream. (Older kids love the whipped cream-and it makes a great photo-op!) 
Children stand or sit in front of the plate with their hands behind their backs.
On the "GO" signal, each player finds the gummy bear in the corn flakes (whipped cream) using only their mouth & teeth...
The first player to lift their head with the gummy bear between their teeth is the winner!

Variation: Hide several gummy bears and set a time limit; those who find the most gummy bears wins! This can be done as an individual or 'Team Count' event.

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Instead of playing Duck, Duck, Goose--Play 'BEAR, BEAR, GOLDILOCKS'!

Or... 
PLAY TEDDY BEAR TAILS (Also played like Duck, Duck, Goose)
Object of game: Teddy bear is looking for his tail!

Give each player a tail made from brown felt or construction paper. Have children tuck or tape the 'tail' on their lower back. Except for the bear, players sit in a circle--Teddy Bear walks around the circle until he/she sees 'the tail'. After grabbing a tail, Teddy runs around the outside of the circle--and back to the empty spot--before being caught by the 'tail-less' player.

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*Instead of Simon Says...play 'TEDDY  SAYS'...

____________

TEDDY BEAR HUNT  (A version of Hot and Cold)

Hide a small teddy bear in your program room- or a section of your outdoor area. (Make sure the children know what they are looking for.)

• Have children come into the room and search for the bear.
• As they get closer call out "Warmer, warmer" until you get to "Hot!" As they get further away call out "Cooler, cooler" until you get to "Cold".
• The first player to find the bear then gets to go and hide it for the next round.

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 PARACHUTE BEAR TOSS...

Place all the Teddy Bears in the center of a parachute or large blanket. With all players firmly holding the edges, toss them up into the air. Whose Bear is going to go the highest? (See 'Parachute Game Category' for other games)

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MUSICAL BEARS
Played like traditional musical chairs...
Set out chairs, one for each child minus one.
While each child holds a bear, they move/dance to  music.
When the music stops, they move quickly  and put their bear on a chair. The bear that doesn't have a chair is out but children are given a treat/prize as they are out.

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GOING ON A BEAR HUNT SURPRISE!
Make large 'paw prints' using card stock. Numer each paw print--from 1 to 10.

Place the numbered paws around the garden/house. Children must find the prints in numbered order. When they get to number 10 they'll find a bear with a bowl of treats. Treats can be 'goody bags', candy or cookies, etc.

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DRAMATIC PLAY GAMES...

WALK LIKE A BEAR...
• Papa bear takes big steps
• Mama bear takes medium steps
• Baby bear takes baby steps
• Brother bear hops on both feet
• Sister bear hops on one foot
• Polar Bear walks on all fours

You can also play music of your choice and encourage  children to move like:
Big bears, little bears, tired bears, happy bears, scared bears, etc. Make it more interesting by choosing music based on the movement you'd like!

BEAR SOUNDS...GROWL LIKE A BEAR
• Growl softly
• Growl loudly
• Growl fiercely
• Growl gently
• Growl to yourself
• Growl a big, wide growl

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*BEAR TOSS
Divide  children into two or more teams.
Each team member is given a teddy bear and lines up in a straight line in front of their "basket". (If there are not enough bears-give the first person in each team line a bear. The team will then share this bear.)

The team who gets the most bears in their container wins!

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MISCELLANEOUS TEDDY BEAR FUN

 

*Visit the Jokes Category about Bears!

 

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*TEDDY BEAR VACATIONS (Good for Pre-K thru Grade School)
This project can be done a number of ways.

Method #1
Pack up your group's teddy bear and send him/her to another program, school classroonm day care, hospital,  or _______. Teddy bear will go on a trip and return with pictures and a journal about  adventures and experiences on the vacation. Teddy's host will photograph and record his adventures. (Learning, Reading, Napping, Playing, Visiting children's homes, etc)

It would be helpful to also send a disposable camera, blank diary with identification-- and other things that one would need for a trip. (A small backpack to put everything in)

Method #2

1. Preparation is the same as above; however, Teddy starts out with a person that is going on vacation. A diary/journal with photographs is kept.
2. Upon return, Teddy is then given to another person that is going on a trip.
3. Set a certain time frame-such as 60 to 90 days. Indicate in documentation --when and where the bear is to be returned.
4. Oh what adventures Teddy will have! Lessons and discussions can then be build around Teddy's adventures! Be sure to keep track of the miles and map each place Teddy has visited.

One traveling bear that I've read of (known as Snicks) slowly collected clothing from places he visited (including teddy-patterned socks, a personalized T-shirt, shoes and 2 caps) as well as pins and badges from his various travels. He also had a backpack containing knickknacks from along the way. (He visited many of the States, Australia, Cape Town, and Czechoslovakia.

Photos were posted online to the Snickerdoodle MacBear flickr page. He also had his own 'Facebook page' where he updated friends on his adventures. (One year I did this with a group of children-and we really had a good time with it! Barb)

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TEDDY BEAR SHARING DAY...

Invite children to bring in their teddy bears or a teddy bear 'friend'-- if  their favorite stuffed animal isn't a bear.

• Compare bears...
• Talk about what kinds of bears the children have. Do the children remember when/where they got their bears?
• Create a graph based on the color of the bears.

Extension Idea:
AWARD CERTIFICATES TO EACH AND EVERY BEAR!
Each category can have seveal winners...

Example:
•Funnies names of bears
•Happies looking bears
•Most unique bears
•Most colorful bears
•Most huggable bears
•Fuzziest bears
•Softest bear
•Well-dressed bears
•Smallest bears
•Biggest bears
•Skinniest bears
•Widest/chubbiest bears
•Loved well bears
•Oldest bears

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TEDDY BEARS VS. REAL BEARS
Talk about the differences between teddy bears and real bears.
    • Where do they live?
    • What do they eat? etc.

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FOR OUR DOCTORS, NURSES, AND VETERNARIANS OF TOMORROW...
'BOO-BOO BEAR' MEDICAL CLINIC...

 

Set up your dramatic play center with a 'medical clinic area/table for 'Teddy Bear and Friends' that are ill or need attending!
Make sure young 'doctors and nurses' have all the supplies they need. Usually toy doctor kit/bags have the essentials.
Include : Doctor bag, stethoscope, reflex hammer, thermometer, play syringe, auriscope, laryngoscope, bandages, plastic gloves, wraps, cold compresses, gauze pads, surgical tape, tongue depressors,  pager (some have realistic sounds, and battery operated cell phone. Maybe add a microscope and magnifying glass? Besides an examing table--is there a bed where the 'patient (s) can recooperate? (Homemade bed-boxes work out great for this...)

Also look for deals on scrubs, caps and lab coats...quite often the time after Halloween will have sales.
Want to make your own as an activity to go with the center?

MAKE LAB COATS (Taken from KA's Mad Science Category)
#1  Lab Coats: Cover  table with newspapers or freezer paper. Lay out fabric markers. Give each child a plain white shirt to decorate as a lab coat. You can use T-shirts, or look for used front-buttoning shirts at thrift shops
Idea #2
Use white kitchen sized garbage bags to make lab coats.
Cut a half circle hole for the head, and half circles for the arms. With a black permanent marker, draw a line down the front and buttons next to it. You can also draw a pocket on the side with a pen in it; write the children's names on them (Example: Professor Smith, Dr. Susan, etc.

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*BEARY DELICIOUS SNACKS...

Bears eat with their paws--so the snacks of course should be finger foods and nibbles!

 

MAKE BEAR SHAPED COOKIE-CUTTER SANDWICHES
Make Peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches (or other fillings)
Cut out in the bear shapes.

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BEAR PUNCH
Fill bear-shaped molds with juice and freeze. Fill a  punch bowl with juice or simple punch recipe. Add bear cubes before serving.

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Bears like ants and insects and bears also like logs...so make your favorite versions of ANTS/BUGS ON A LOG!

MAKE 'LOGS'  from any of these foods:  

• Celery Stalks (cut to about 3 inches long)
• Apples (cut in halves or quarters with cores removed)
• Carrots (cut to about 3 inches long)

FILL THE 'LOGS' WITH A SPREAD

• Cream Cheese
• Cream cheese and pineapple
• Cheese and pimento
• Peanut butter
• Egg salad

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SPRINKLE 'ANTS' ON THE SPREAD:
• Raisins
• Golden raisins
• Dried cranberries or cherries
• Raisenettes candy
• Unsweetened cereal
• Sunflower seeds
• Chopped peanuts of finely chopped walnuts
• Mix in chopped apple

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TEDDY BEAR CUPCAKE

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.
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MAKE FISH IN A STREAM
If Bears live near the sea they catch fish.
Fill celery with cream cheese and top them with goldfish crackers!
 
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WHAT DO 'BLACK BEARS' EAT?
Bears eat berries, nuts, tubers, roots, honey, worms, buds, leaves, fruit, twigs, grubs, fish, and insects/ants. In the spring, black bears even eat the inside layer of young trees. They must eat between 11 and 18 pounds of food each day to stay healthy.

SO...SERVE fruit, berries, nuts and honey. Gummy worms can substitute for worms!

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WORMY SNACK MIX

 Ingredients:
1 cup miniature pretzels
1 cup miniature Teddy Grahams snacks
1 cup dry roasted peanuts (If no allergies)
1 cup m&m's
1 cup gummy worms
Mix together and enjoy

See other 'Worm Snacks' in the WORM THEME! (Scroll down to the middle of the page)

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COOKIE OR CUPCAKE~TEDDY BEAR HOLDING A BALLOON

Frost a large round cookie or cupcake as desired. Place a gum drop --or half a large gum drop --at the upper side of the cupcake. Place a large Teddy Graham or Gummy Bear at the opposite lower side of the dessert. Connect the 'balloon' with the bear with a slender string of licorice. (In this image, two cupcakes have gummy bears with ballons--and one has a very large gummy bear on it. Sprinkles are added) Image by KidActivities.net

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MAKE AN ANT FARM... with Peanut Butter, Graham Crackers and Raisins

• On a plate spread peanut butter.
• In the middle erect a tunnel from the broken graham crackers.
• Next, place the raisins on the peanut butter to look like Ants.
• Children can eat the raisins and peanut butter with either the graham crackers or pieces of celery.
  (You can use canned chocolate frosting if you have peanut allergies in your group)

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Yumm...MAKE POLAR BEAR CUPS

First put ice cream and then a layer of your choice of candy--- M&M's, Kisses, Chocolate or Peanut Butter Chips.

Cover candy layer with Cool Whip...Decorate with Gummy Bears.Serve in small-clear plastic cups for individual servings ..or one big vat that everyone shares. Usually, kids like to have their own :-)

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Bears like Honey so have...APPLES AND HONEY...

Take an apple and slice a thin piece from the bottom so that it stands up without support. Cut the top off and core the center out. Fill with honey.

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QUICK IDEAS: Serve Teddy Graham Bear Cookies, Honeycomb Cereal, Gummy Bears...

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*COMMUNITY SERVICE

No theme is complete without a Community Service effort!

1. Consider holding a TEDDY BEAR AND FRIENDS (Stuffed Animals) DRIVE!
Donate  collected animals to a Homeless Shelter for new arrivals.

2. Another idea--check with your local police station or fire station. Many are happy to take Teddy and Friends; a teddy bear can be a comfort to children in times of distress.

3. ADOPT A BEAR ( or lion, tiger, whale, or other animal.) Many zoos, aquariums, and animal sea habitats have adoption programs. In exchange for financial support, you often get a photo and biography of your new adoptee.

4. HELP THE PLIGHT OF ASIAN 'MOON' BEARS! For ideas visit the Kids' Page at AnimalsAsia...Animal Asia has extensive list ideas for children and teachers. There is information regarding...
What is a Moon Bear; Why do Moon Bears need help; What is the 'Bear Rescue'; How to help; Info for Teachers; Games and Quizzes; Downloads.
Spend some time in different areas of the site and learn about the plight of Asian Bears and how we can help.

5. ADOPT A POLAR BEAR, PANDA or one many other animals.
Visit World Wildlife Fund; donations start at 25.00 (Donations are used in general support of WWF's efforts around the world. 82 cents of every donated dollar goes toward conservation. WWF has been recognized by Charity Navigator, and meets the BBB Wise Giving Alliance's Standards for Charity Accountability.)

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SONGS, POEMS, & FINGER PLAY...

*TEDDY BEAR, TEDDY BEAR (Younger children say and do--older can jump rope)
 
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Turn around. 
Teddy bear, teddy bear, 
Touch the ground. 
Teddy bear, teddy bear, 
Shine your shoes. 
Teddy bear, teddy bear, 
Skidoo. 
Teddy bear, teddy bear, 
Go upstairs. 
Teddy bear, teddy bear, 
Say your prayers. 
Teddy bear, teddy bear, 
Turn out the light. 
Teddy bear, teddy bear, 
Say good night. 

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LITTLE BROWN BEAR
 
A little brown bear went in search of some honey,
Isn't it funny, a bear wanting honey?
 
He sniffed at the breeze, (Sniff air)
And he listened for bees, (Cup hand to ear and listen)
 
And would you believe it?
He even climbed trees!
(Fingers of one hand climb the opposite arm.)

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THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN
Tune: For He's a Jolly Good Fellow
 
The bear went over the mountain, 
The bear went over the mountain, 
The bear went over the mountain, 
To see what he could see. 
And all that he could see,
And all that he could see,
Was the other side of the mountain, 
The other side of the mountain, 
The other side of the mountain, 
Was all that he could see.

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THREE BROWN BEARS
Sing to tune of Three Blind Mice (Good song to go along with a version of 'Goldilocks & The Three Bears' Story)

Three brown bears
Three brown bears
See all their beds
See all their chairs...

The mommy cooked in
A big brown pot
The daddy's porridge
Was much too hot
The baby bear
Always cried a lot...
Three brown bears

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POLAR BEAR
To the tune of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean

The polar bear lives in Alaska,
He never gets cold in a storm,
He swims in cold icy water,
His heavy coat keeps him warm.
Warm, warm, warm, warm,
His heavy coat keeps him warm.
Warm, warm, warm, warm,
His heavy coat keeps him warm.

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BEARS EVERYWHERE

Bears, bears, bears, everywhere!
(Point in all directions)
 
Bears cimbing stairs,
(Pretend to climb)
 
Bears sitting on chairs,
(Pretend to sit)
 
Bears collecting fares,
(Reach out for fares) 

Bears giving stares,
(Stare at group)
 
Bears, bears, bears, everywhere!

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THIS LITTLE BEAR FINGER PLAY
 
This little bear has a fur suit. (Thumb)
This little bear acts very cute (Pointer finger)
This little bear is bold and cross. (Middle finger)
This little bear says, "You're not boss." (Ring finger)
This little bear likes bacon and honey. (Little finger)
But he can't buy them, he has no money!!!

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TEDDY BEAR'S PICNIC (Complete lyrics below)

If you go down to the woods today,
You'd better go in disguise.

If you go down to the woods today,
You're in for a big surprise.

For every bear that ever there was
Is gathered there for certain because..
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

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TEDDY BEAR PICNIC
Lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy -1932 (A Celtic song)

If you go down to the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go down to the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Ev'ry teddy bear who's been good
Is sure of a treat today.
There's lots of marvelous things to eat
And wonderful games to play.

Beneath the trees where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please
Cause that's the way the teddy bears have their picnic.

If you go down to the woods today
You'd better not go alone.
It's lovely down in the woods today
But safer to stay at home.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about
They love to play and shout;
They never have any care;

At six o'clock their mummies and daddies,
Will take them home to bed,
Because they're tired little teddy bears.

______________

*BEARS IN BOOKS...

(For ages Pre-K to Adult)

•Baloo from The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
 
•The Berenstein Bears
 
•Brer Bear, from the Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris
•Paddington Bear
 
•The Three Bears from Goldilocks and the Three Bears
 
•Winnie-the-Pooh (The Winnie-the-Pooh Collection) by A. A. Milne

•Rupert Bear (also known as Rupert the Bear) from the children's books by Mary Tourtel (also became featured in comic strips and a TV series)
 
•Corduroy by Don Freeman

•Little Bear by Maurice Sendak
 
•Crow of the Bear Clan, barbarian comic book bear
 
•Old Bear, from the Old Bear series of books
 
•Old Ben, around which revolve the events of William Faulkner's short story The Bear.

•Shardik, the ursine protagonist of Richard Adams' novel of the same name

•Theadore Rosebear, Teddy Roosevelt's best friend in Edward Summer's novel Teefr and The Legend of Teddy Bear Bob (aka "Bear Bob's Story").
 
•Henisz Teddy Bear who went on the Trip around the World.
 
•Beorn, from 'The Hobbit,' by J.R.R Tolkien, was a man with the ability to transform into a bear

•The Three Bulgy Bears in 'Prince Caspian'
 
•Teddy Robinson, from Joan G. Robinson's books 'Dear Teddy Robinson' and 'More about Teddy Robinson'.
 
•Ursaline B. "Bear" Bruin, a Chevy Suburban-driving grizzly from the fantasy novel 'Collinsfort Village' by Joe Ekaitis.

•Teddy Bears' Picnic (Aladdin Picture Books) by Jimmy Kennedy

•Winnie-the-Pooh (The Winnie-the-Pooh Collection) by A. A. Milne

•The Million-Dollar Bear by William Kotzwinkle

•Holt Collier: His Life, His Roosevelt Hunts, and the Origin of the Teddy Bear by Minor Ferris Buchanan

•That's Not My Teddy (Usborne Touchy-Feely Board Books) by Fiona Watt

•Teddy Bear Encyclopedia by Pauline Cockrill

•The Teddy Bear by David McPhail

•The Teddy Bears' Picnic Board Book and Tape (My First Book and Tape) by Jerry Garcia

•Sign and Sing Along: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear! by Annie Kubler Favorite nursery rhymes and songs

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FYI: HOW MANY TYPES OF BEARS ARE THERE?

There are eight species in the bear family: The Asiatic Black Bear, Brown Bear, North American Black Bear, Panda Bear, Polar Bear, Sloth Bear, Spectacled Bear, and the Sun Bear. 

For many years scientists wondered whether the panda was more like the raccoon family or more like the bear family. DNA studies have shown that that giant panda is more closely related to the bear. Books published before that time may still list only seven species of bear, because the giant panda was not included in the list.

The koala is not a bear, it's a marsupial. It gets the nickname 'koala bear' from its resemblance to a teddy bear, not from any relationship to actual bears. 

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Jokes at page bottom...

ICEMAN SNOWMAN Make Inside and Keep Outside...

Fill three balloons with water (one big, one medium, and one small). Let freeze overnight. Peel the balloon off and stack the balls--using salt between to help them melt and stick together. Have kids clothe him, put a carrot nose, stick arms, etc.

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INSIDE SNOWMAN...
In the winter gather snow in a LARGE shallow baking pan. Make a smaller version of a snowman and decorate it just as you would an outdoor snowman (Eyes, arms, nose, and Buttons on body, etc.)
Place the snowman on a table where the children can watch it melt through out the day.
A nice hands-on sensory-science project. Your children will really like i!!! 
 
..........I did this with two of my grandchildren. I went out on the deck and rolled three snowballs and brought them into the kitchen. I placed the snowman on a large foil tray in the sink. They enjoyed guessing and watching which parts would melt first. Most of the body remained after 5 hours---but the snowman did loose his buttons, carrot nose and eyes! Barb

_______________________

 

FIVE LITTLE SNOWMEN FINGER PLAY

Five little snowmen
Round and fat.
Each one wore a funny hat.

Out came the sun
And melted one,
And that -was- that.

Count down to one.

Extension Idea:
1. Have 5 children hold a snowman card and 1 child hold a sun card.
2. As the group recites the poem, the sun taps a snowman on the head-which  causes the snowman to melt.
3.THAT child then turns snowman card over to reveal melted snowman picture. (Sample of snowman props by Lilteacher)

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Something for your Winter Newsletter--- or print (all done up) with clip-art -and post at your Info/Family Center...
I LEARNED ALL ABOUT LIFE FROM A SNOWMAN...

    • It's okay if you're a little bottom heavy.

    • Hold your ground, even when the heat is on.

    • Wearing white is always appropriate.

    • Winter is the best of the four seasons.

    • It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection.

    • There's nothing better than a foul weather friend.

    • The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul.

    • We're all made up of mostly water.

    • You know you've made it when they write a song about you.

    • Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!

    • Don't get too much sun.

    • It's embarrassing when you can't look down and see your feet.

    • It's fun to hang out in your front yard.

    • Always put your best foot forward.

    • There's no stopping you once you're on a roll.

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 READING TO BUILD A SNOWMAN! This is a great COOPERATIVE PROGRAM PROJECT where the group focuses on reading for an entire winter month!

Put up a very large snowman shape on a bulletin board or wall. Add a hat, nose, mouth and eyes.

Draw and cut-out a supply of snowball shapes (you may want to make a sheet of balls and then photo- copy).

When children read a book--they will write in the title as well as their name. The snowball will then be placed on the snowman shape. 

• Books read should be at or above their reading level. 
• If working with a mixed age group, allow older youth to receive credit for reading to younger children.
• You may also award younger children 'snowballs' for making 'picture' books and stories 
• (Design the activity to meet the needs of your group.

Fill in the snowman shape with the snowballs as the children read their books. If the snowman is filled in and meets the goal, celebrate with a treat. (Maybe the Ice-cream Snowman in the Snowman Snack section? 

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SNOWMAN SONGS AND POEMS...

I'M A LITTLE SNOWMAN
Sung to  I'm A Little Teapot

I'm a Little Snowman
Short and fat...
Here is my broomstick
And here is my hat...
When it's cold and icy I do stay-
And when it's sunny- I melt away.

_________

#2 I'M A LITTLE SNOWMAN
To tune of I'm a Little Tea Pot

I'm a Little Snowman
I'm A Little Snowman,
Short and fat,
Here is my scarf
And here is my hat.
When the sun comes out,
I melt away.
But when it's cold, I'm here to stay!

_________

#3 BUILD A LITTLE SNOWMAN
Sung to I'm A Little Teapot

Build a little snowman starting with it's feet...
Pack on lots of snow and make him nice and neat.
 
Then you roll a big 'round ball, put it right on top...
But  the sun may come out and make your snowman hot. 

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#4 YOU ARE MY SNOWMAN
Sung to: You Are My Sunshine

You are my snowman,
My only snowman.
You make me happy,
On days of gray.
And when the sun's out,
You'll hear us all shout.
Please don't take our snowman away!

_______________

FROSTY SNOWMAN IDEAS...

Read the book Frosty the Snowman...

•Watch the Frosty video/DVD

•Sing Frosty the Snowman (lyrics below) 

________________

Lyrics to 'FROSTY THE SNOWMAN'...

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
and two eyes made out of coal

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they say
He was made of snow but the children
know how he came to life one day

There must have been some magic in that
old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
he began to dance aroundO Frosty the snowman
was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh
and play just the same as you and me

Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Frosty the snowman knew
the sun was hot that day
So he said
"Let's run and
we'll have some fun
now before I melt away

" Down to the village
with a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all
around the square saying
Catch me if you can

He led them down the streets of town
right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
he heard him holler "Stop!"

For Frosty the snow man
had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye saying
"Don't you cryI'll be back again some day

" Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

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Part Two of Four: PROSE,  POEMS, and other things~ Every once in awhile--put something the below ideas in your newsletter or post at your 'Family Information Center'!

  

 

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED
Author Unknown

• No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
• When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
• If your sister hits you, don't hit her back; they always catch the second person.
• Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
• You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
• Reading what people write on desks can teach you a lot.
• Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
• Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac.
• Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time.
• School lunches stick to the wall.
• You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
• Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
• The best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma's lap.

 ___________________________

Things to do BEFORE You're TEN!!!
.......this is a wonderful page to give to parents. Put it in a newsletter, at your parents center or best yet---as a gift. Print it nicely with some clip-art--roll it up-- and tie with ribbon or raffia as a gift from your program! :-

1. Roll on your side down a grassy bank
2. Make a mud pie
3. Make your own play dough mixture
4. Read under the bed-covers with a flashlight
5. Make home-made potpourri
6. Grow flowers or herbs on a windowsill
7. Make some bird feeders
8. Build a sandcastle
9. Climb a tree
10. Make a tent in the living room
11. Make a painting using your hands and feet
12. Organize your own teddy bears' picnic
13. Have your face painted
14. Play with a friend in the sand
15. Make some bread
16. Make snow angels
17. Create a clay sculpture
18. Take part in a scavenger hunt
19. Camp out in the yard
20. Bake a cake
21. Feed a farm animal
22. Pick some strawberries and apples
23. Recognize five different bird species
24. Find some worms
25. Ride a bike through a muddy puddle
26. Make and fly a kite
27. Plant a tree
28. Build a nest out of grass and twigs
29. Find ten different leaves in the park
30. Grow vegetables
31. Make breakfast in bed for your parents

____________________

 IF I HAD MY CHILD TO RAISE OVER AGAIN

If I had to raise my child all over again,
• I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
• I'd do less correcting, and more connecting,
• I'd take my eyes of my watch, and watch with my eyes.
• I would care to know less, and know to care more.
• I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
• I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
• I'd run through more fields, and gaze more at stars.
• I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
• I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
• I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
• I'd teach less about the love of power,
• And more about the power of love.
   By Diane Loomans

 ____________

TO EVERY PARENT
There are little eyes upon you,
And they are watching night and day;
There are little ears that quickly take
In every word you say;
There are little hands all eager to do
Everything you do,
And a little child who's dreaming of
The day he'll be like you.

 _______________________________________________________

NEWSLETTER BLURBS FOR SPECIAL TIMES OF THE YEAR

FYI FOR NOVEMBER PARENT NEWSLETTER OR POSTINGS!

NOVEMBER 8TH IS DEAR SANTA DAY... Here are two FREE websites that do E-mail 'Dear Santa' letters.  First one has some other "Santa things"...the second is the most simple--but very sweet.

http://www.emailsanta.com/ really fun site!!!
http://www.santa-at-home.com/writesanta.shtml

  _________________

 TURKEY DAY WISH...This would be really cute for your November Newsletter (October if you live in Canada) or posted at your 'Info Center'. It could also be said at your Turkey-Day  table!!!  

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES AND GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS,
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS. 

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The month of NOVEMBER hosts 'World Kindness Day and Week'. FEBRUARY celebrates 'Random Acts of Kindness Week'. Consider the following in a newletter or handout...children are always learning from the adults around them!

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

• When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

_______________ 

Include seasonal recipes such as this in your Newsletter...Be sure to check out the loads of fun recipes in the 'Snacks Category' on every left side page and every season and Holiday page! 

 WITCHES GORP

• 3 cups eyes of Newts (peanuts)
• 2 cups tails of dogs (pretzel sticks)
• 1 cup squishy, slithery parts of frogs (raisins)
• 2 cups warts of toads (Cheerios)
• 1/2 cup lizard lips (walnuts)
• 1 cup dinosaur toenail chips (banana chips)
• 1 cup teeth of bats (sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup of dandruff from the biggest rats (coconut)
• 1 cup chocolate cover iguana hearts (chocolate chips)
• Measure and combine all of the ingredients in the order listed above. Mix well with mixing spoon. Source: Cooks.com

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Cute for DECEMBER NEWSLETTER! Funny!  

'CHRISMAS CAROLS' AS INTERPRETED BY KIDS! 

A teacher in Atlanta asked her students to write the words to their favorite Holiday/Christmas Carols; here are some of the humorous lines she received:

  • Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly
  • De three kings of porridge and tar
  • On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me
  • Later on we'll perspire, as we dream by the fire.
  • He's makin a list, chicken and rice.
  • Noel, Noel, Barney's the king of Israel.
  • With the jelly toast proclaim
  • Olive, the other reindeer. (all of the other reindeer)
  • Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf, I say
  • Sleep in heavenly peas
  • In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is sparse and brown
  • You'll go down in listerine
  • Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay 
  • O come, froggy faithful

____________

Something for your WINTER Newsletter--- or to post all done up with clip-art - for your Info/Family Center...

 WHAT I LEARNED  ABOUT LIFE FROM A SNOWMAN...
• It's okay if you're a little bottom heavy.
• Hold your ground, even when the heat is on.
• Wearing white is always appropriate.
• Winter is the best of the four seasons.
• It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection.
• There's nothing better than a foul weather friend.
• The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul.
• We're all made up of mostly water.
• You know you've made it when they write a song about you.
• Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!
• Don't get too much sun.
• It's embarrassing when you can't look down and see your feet.
• It's fun to hang out in your front yard.
• Always put your best foot forward.
• There's no stopping you once you're on a roll.

__________

DR. SEUSS DAY MARCH 2~ PUT OUT IN FEBRUARY...
Doing a 'Dr. Seuss theme' ...and reading a lot of books you don't have?

Consider adding to your February newsletter or ...SENDING HOME THE FOLLOWING 'WISH LIST' POEM. Cute and fun for parents to read with their child!

What's that you say?
We're reading Dr. Seuss books.
And we're starting today!

Do you have some Dr. Seuss books?
Send them in-don't delay!
Yes, we're reading his books.
Send them in right away!

May we borrow your books?
Can we look at them please?
Any Seuss book you have
Would fill us with glee!

Please print your name in
Every book that you send.
We'll send the books back
When we've come to the end!

____________________________

NICE FOR YOUR MARCH NEWSLETTER!

AN IRISH BLESSING
 
Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter...
Lullabies, dreams and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums...
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes...
That's the Irish for you!

_______________________________

FUN FOR MOTHER'S DAY

WHEN I'M A LITTLE OLD LADY...
I'll live with my children and bring them great joy
To repay all I have had from each girl and boy.
I shall draw on the walls and scuff up the floor
Run in and out without closing the door.

I'll hide frogs in the pantry, socks under my bed
Whenever they scold me, I'll just hang my head.
I'll run and I'll romp, always fritter away
The time to be spent doing chores every day.

I'll pester my children when they're on the phone
As long as they're busy, I won't leave them alone.
I'll hide candy in closets, rocks in a drawer
And never pick up my clothes from the floor.

I'll dash off to the movies and not wash a dish
I'll plead for allowance whenever I wish.
I'll stuff up the plumbing and deluge the floor
As soon as they've mopped it, I'll flood it some more.

When they correct me, I'll lie down and cry
Kicking and screaming, not a tear in my eye.
I'll take all their pencils and flashlights, and then
When they buy new ones, I'll take them again.

I'll spill glasses of milk to complete every meal
Eat my banana and just drop the peel.
Put toys on the table, spill jam on the floor
I'll break lots of dishes as though I were four.

What fun I shall have!! What joy it will be!!
To live with my children --- Like they lived with me!!!
Author unknown

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Nice for JUNE Newsletter...(FATHER'S DAY)

Footprints

"Walk a little slower, Daddy,"
said a child so small.
"I'm following in your footsteps
and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you."
~ Author Unknown

_________________________

SUMMER AND ANYTIME OF THE YEAR VACATION TIME...

Here's something your parents will thank you for! Copy and Paste a few ideas for your newsletter or Info center... or send families the link to HAVE FUN WHEN TRAVELING WITH KIDS! Lots of good tips, games, ideas.

__________________

SECTIONS FOR NEWSLETTER CATEGORIES ARE:

Click for the Entire Newsletter Category

Part 1. What to Put in Newsletters (Be sure to read this page!) Good tips and Ideas!

Part 2. Prose, Poems and Cute items for Newsletters

Part 3. Timely Newsletter Topics to Connect Kids and Parents

Part 4. Newsletter Topics of Health and Food

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 Cocoa 'Gift Ideas' are page bottom...

 

WHEN IT'S COLD, COLD, COLD...Help kids plan a comfy-warm Cocoa Party!

You could add a movie (an old favorite or something just released.) Make popcorn or have cookies and set up a hot chocolate bar where everyone can add marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, and maybe a dusting of cinnamon to cups of cocoa. Extension Idea: Consider adding a pajama party! Have kids wear PJ's and lounge on pillows and blankets as they watch a movie. (Don't forget favorite stuffed animals!)

_______________________

FANCY UP THAT HOT CHOCOLATE MIX!!!
Making plain hot chocolate from a mix? Consider the following:

• Garnish your cocoa with a candy cane which can double as a stirrer.
• Top with whipped cream and colored sprinkles!
• Top with whipped cream, cherry and chocolate sauce.
• Make a "Milky Way" drink by adding caramel topping.
• Place chocolate chips in the bottom of a clear glass mug. Add steaming hot milk and stir the melted chocolate.
• Top hot cocoa with whipped cream and cinnamon.
• Drop a scoop of peppermint ice cream into a mug of hot chocolate.
• Put two large marshmallows in the bottom of an empty cup and pour hot chocolate on top so that the marshmallows melt. Serve with graham crackers to make s'mores in a cup. Source: amazingmoms.com

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TIPS FOR A 'CROWD' OF COCOA LOVERS!
1.  Purchase an inexpensive 'party coffee pot' for 35 cups or more; pre-make the hot chocolate. Just fill the pot with water--get it hot--add the mix.
2.  For a larger group you'll need 2 pots or add a couple air pots to keep it warm as it's made.
3.  Don't use any mix with marshmallows already in it; the spout of the coffee pot may clog!
4.  You can also use the pots for warm apple cider at other times! (To use this method-don't use a pot that has been often used to make coffee; the coffee tasted may linger.)

____________________

FEELING CREATIVE? Try some of the following yummy recipes!

MAKE SNOWMAN SOUP (See 'Hot Cocoa Gift and Poem Ideas' at page bottom) 
Put hot chocolate mix in a cup.
Add hot water and mix.
Put in two Hershey kisses…stir again.
To cool off add an ice cube and then two or three marshmallows for the snowballs.
A Candy cane would a nice touch as stirrer.

_____

Before we start we 'traditional cocoa ideas' try this wonderful NUTELLA COCOA! If you like Nutella-you'll love this!

NUTELLA HOT COCOA! Yummm...

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of Nutella for 'each cup' of milk (whole milk tastes best)
Whipped cream or Marshmallows
Optional: Sprinkle of Cinnamon'
1. Heat milk in sauce pan or microwave. When hot---stir/whisk in the Nutella until all is combined
2. Pour into cups and top with mini-marshmallows or whipped cream 
3. Optional: Sprinkle with a little cinnamon

NOTE: Nutella hot chocolate is like regular hot chocolate-but with a bit of hazelnut taste. You can also reheat in microwave or again on stove-top after being refrigerated.

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RECIPES USING HERSHEY'S  COCOA
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Hershey's Cocoa
Dash salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups (1 qt.) milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Miniature marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream(optional)

Directions:
1. Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Do Not Boil a second time.
2. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Five 8-oz. servings.

VARIATIONS TO THE ABOVE: Add one of the following with the vanilla extract...

•SPICED COCOA: 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Serve with cinnamon stick, if desired.
• MINT COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon mint extract OR 3 tablespoons crushed hard peppermint candy OR 2 to 3 tablespoons white crème de menthe. (At home-for adults only) Serve with peppermint candy stick, if desired.
• CITRUS COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon orange extract OR 2 to 3 tablespoons orange liqueur. (Again-for adults only)
• SWISS MOCHA: 2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee.
• COCOA AU LAIT: Omit marshmallows or whipped cream. Spoon 2 tablespoons softened vanilla ice cream on top of each cup of cocoa at serving time. SLIM-TRIM COCOA: Omit sugar. Combine cocoa, salt and water; substitute nonfat milk. Proceed as above. With vanilla, stir in sugar substitute with sweetening equivalence of 1/2 cup sugar.
• CANADIAN COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon maple extract.
• MICROWAVE SINGLE SERVING: Combine 1 heaping teaspoon Hershey's Cocoa, 2 heaping teaspoons sugar and dash salt in microwave-safe cup or mug. Add 2 teaspoons cold milk; stir until smooth. Fill cup with milk. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir to blend. Source: Hersheys.com

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EASY RASBERRY COCOA MIX
Ingredients:
3 cups instant hot cocoa mix
1 package unsweetened raspberry-flavored kool-aid mix
Combine all ingredients in a container that seals/closes tightly.
Shake until well blended.
 Store in an airtight container.
To serve: Stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a mug of hot water.

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HOMEMADE HOT COCOA MIX #1 
Ingredients:
3 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. sugar
Dash of salt
Thoroughly combine all ingredients.
Will make mix for 24 servings.
Can be stored in airtight container for two months.
For one serving - 3 heaping teaspoons and 1/2 cup hot water.
Source: cooks.com

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MAKE HOT COCOA MIX #2 
Ingredients:
2 lbs. can Nestle Quick powder
1/2 c. cocoa
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 to 1 c. granulated sugar
7 c. powdered milk
2 1/2 c. Coffeemate
Sift all ingredients together. Makes 1 gallon of mix.
To make hot chocolate: put 1/4 cup mix to 1 cup hot water.
Source: cooks.com

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CHOCOLATE SWIZZLE NOG
A steaming mug of a rich, whipped cream-topping treat.
Makes 8 servings
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
4 cups milk
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or peppermint extract
Whipped cream or whipped topping

• In medium-sized saucepan, combine EAGLE BRAND®, milk and cocoa.
• Heat thouroughly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
• Stir in vanilla or peppermint extract.
• Serve warm in mugs; top with whipped cream or whipped topping.
  Source: eaglebrand.com

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A FAVORITE HOT COCOA
Ingredients:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup hot water
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix cocoa, sugar, water and salt in a saucepan.

• Over medium heat, stir constantly until mixture boils.
• Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
• Stir in the milk and heat, but do not boil.
• Remove from heat and add vanilla; blend well.
• Serve immediately.
  Makes 4 servings.

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PUMPKIN SPICE HOT COCOA

Serves six
6 cups of milk
6 packets of powdered hot chocolate OR ½ lb. of dark chocolate bits
1 1/2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
Lots of whipped cream
Cinnamon

Heat milk to almost boiling. Place hot chocolate mix into mugs and thoroughly mix in ¼ T of pumpkin pie spice in each cup. Pour in hot milk and stir well. Load on the whip cream. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Recipe and photo thanks to No Fuss Fabulous!

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MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
Ingredients:
1/4 cup cocoa and 1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
dash salt
1 quart milk (4 cups), divided
1/4 cup half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small bowl, combine cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan until bubbling.
Stir in cocoa mixture and whisk until smooth.
Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly.
Source: Diana Rattray

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SNOWY WHITE HOT COCOA
Ingredients:
1 ½ tablespoons white-chocolate instant pudding mix
1 cup milk
Whipped cream
Combine pudding mix and milk in a microwaveable mug.
Heat  in the microwave for 60 seconds on high.
Top with whipped cream and/or crushed candy canes, if desired.
Source: Family Fun Magazine, Dec/04

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HOLIDAY COCOA
A spoonful of marshmallow creme tops steaming homemade cocoa with rich chocolate flavor and a hint of spice.
Start to Finish:15 min... Makes 6 servings (about 3/4 cup each)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups milk
3/4 cup marshmallow creme
1. In 2-quart saucepan, heat sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon and nutmeg over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Stir in milk. Heat over low heat. Pour cocoa into 6 mugs. Top each with 2 tablespoons marshmallow creme. Source: bettycrocker.com

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HAPPY HOLIDAY GOURMET HOT COCOA
Ingredients:

8 cups dry instant skim milk
4 3/4 cups powdered sugar (note: can use 1/2 Splenda & 1/2 icing/confectioners sugar)
1 3/4 cups cocoa
1 1/2 cup Light non-dairy creamer
1 small package Low-fat instant chocolate pudding mix
1 box of 12 candy canes, pulverized
Combine above ingredients in a large mixing bowl and fold together well-- or place into a food processor and mix to make it a fine powder.
To Serve:
Mix 2 tablespoons in a mug of hot water, top with marshmallows ...can put a candy cane in cup as stirrer... Source: celebrating-christmas.com

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CANDY CANE (Hot Chocolate) MINT FLOAT   
Ingredients:

3/4  cup (6 oz.) prepared hot chocolate
1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2  cup  Mint Chip Ice Cream
Whipping cream, whipped
Mint candy cane, crushed
(OK...If you're an adult loking for a yummy holiday drink--you can add 2 tablespoons peppermint schnapps or creme de cocao liqueur instead of the extract)
 
In large  mug, pour hot chocolate and extract or liqueur; stir to mix. Spoon ice cream into hot chocolate mixture. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of candy..Or top with whipped cream and a peppermint candy cane or stick. Yumm...
Makes 1 serving...

TIP: For 4 servings, use 3 cups (24 oz.) hot chocolate, 1/2 cup liqueur or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 carton (14 fl. oz.) of ice cream. Follow directions above.

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EXTRA RICH FLAVORED COCOA
The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melts when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor. Ingredients:
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/8 teaspoon salt
1. Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.
2. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to use. Makes about 4 cups of mix.
3. Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into your cup (depending on the size), add boiling water, and stir well.

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Not 'Cocoa 'but sounds fun for you at home!  PEPPERMINT PATTY MOCHA
Ingredients: 1 small (1-1/2 inch) YORK Peppermint Pattie
1 to 2 teaspoons milk
hot coffee
Whipped cream(optional)
 
Directions:
1. Unwrap candy and cut into quarters; place in large microwave-safe mug. Add milk.
2. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 30 seconds or until candy is melted and smooth when stirred. Stir in hot coffee until mug is almost full.
3. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately. 1 serving.

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HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS ...Your kids may like to try this cooking activity!

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons (3 packets) powdered gelatin*
2 cups cold water
2 cups sugar
2 egg whites
2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting pan and marshmallows
Butter, for greasing pan

• In a medium sized saucepan soak the gelatin in the cold water.
• After the gelatin has softened, approximately 10 minutes, add the regular sugar and then gently dissolve over low heat, approximately 8 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
• In a mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks and then fold in the sifted confectioners' sugar.
• While the mixer is on low, slowly pour in the cooled gelatin mixture. Increase the speed and beat until white and thick. The volume should double in size and should form between soft and firm peaks.

Line an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with high sides with foil; grease slightly with butter and coat with confectioners' sugar. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet, but the marshmallows will not be as tall. Pour marshmallow mixture in and top with more sifted confectioners' sugar. Leave out overnight or for at least 3 hours to set. The marshmallow should be light and spongy when set. (Loosen marshmallow from edges of tray and invert onto a large cutting board. Peel off foil and use a large knife to cut the marshmallows into cubes. Dredge each piece in confectioners' sugar.
(Yep, reading it again-there's some work to it!) Source: foodnetwork.com

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MAKE 'PEPPERMINT WHIPPED CREAM' FOR HOT CHOCOLATE...

1. Buy peppermint candy canes or peppermint round candies. Using a blender, crush them to powder.

2. Using either 16 oz. of 'Cool Whip' or your own whipped--whipping cream-- use a 1/2 cup of powdered peppermint candy.

3. Stir the crushed candy into the cream topping. It makes a fun pink cream and the tiny chunks that didn't crush add to the yummy!

4. Top each mug of cocoa with one or two spoonfuls of peppermint pink topping.

Notes:
To store left over cream, put into freezer baggies or a freezing container; freeze until needed again.
To thaw--place in refrigerator.
To store leftover peppermint powder--place in a plastic bag or covered container. Be sure to check out the 'Candy Cane and Peppermint Goodies and Ideas Category!

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COCOA MIX GIFT #1  FOR A WINTER DAY...

Materials:
Small glass jar (baby food size)
1 serving of hot cocoa mix
About 1/4 cup of small marshmallows
4-inch or larger fabric scrap (depending on the size of your jar)
18" length of ribbon
Glue
Hershey Kiss candy
Small wrapped candy cane
Card

Directions:
Clean the jar and dry it well. Measure a one-cup serving of the hot cocoa mix into the jar. Fill the jar to the top with small marshmallows. . Cut the fabric scrap into a circle. Center the fabric circle on top of the jar lid. Tie the ribbon around the edge. Glue the Hershey Kiss on top of the fabric cover. Glue the candy cane to the side of the jar. Write a personal note and draw a candy cane or other symbol on the card.

Include simple directions such as the following:
"Here's a little gift to warm you up on a cold afternoon. Simply pour this jar of cocoa mix into a mug filled with 6 to 8 oz. of hot water. Top with marshmallows and drop in the Hershey Kiss. Stir with the candy cane and enjoy!"

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COCOA GIFT #2 (SNOWMAN SOUP) WITH POEMS

Place in a clear plastic bag...
1 individual pack hot chocolate mix
3 Hershey's chocolate kisses
10-15 mini-marshmallows
1 small candy cane

Add one of the following poems...

COCOA POEM #1
When the weather outside is frightful,
Snowman Soup can be delightful.
May it warm your spirit and your soul.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

When you feel a chill or 'burrrrrr',
Use the peppermint stick to stir.
Add hot water and sip it slow.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.
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POEM #2 When it's so cold that you holler and whoop,
It's time to bring out the Snowman Soup!

Pour the packet in a mug. Add marshmallows too.
And throw in these kisses that are special just for you.

Now add some hot water and use the cane to stir it.
Sip slowly and soon you'll feel the warm winter spirit!
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COCOA POEM #3

A little cup of cocoa, I'm sending your way,
For you to sip and enjoy, On some cold winter day.

As you sip this cocoa, it's warmth will warm your heart...
Just like our friendship warmed mine, Right from the very start.

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HOW ABOUT MAKING 'CHOCOLATE SPOONS' for a yummy hot cocoa addition (for yourself or cocoa gift?!) These are nice!
For 12 spoons need:
1 cup (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips and 12 heavy-duty plastic spoons in winter colors 

Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Stsart at about 2 minutes and then keep checking. You don't want to burn the chocolate. Dip the spoons into the chocolate...allow the spoons to cool slightly, then dip them in the chocolate again. Repeat until chocolate reaches the desired thickness on the spoon. If a gift---after the spoons are cool, wrap them in gift cellophane and tie with a ribbon or yarn. Wonderful for coffee and hot chocolate...

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PEPPERMINT CANDY SPOONS...

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 candy cane or 5 peppermint candies, crushed
12 heavy-duty plastic spoons in Christmas colors

1.  Put candy in a baggie and crush with a rolling pin.
2.  Melt chocolate.
3.  Dip spoons into chocolate to fill.
4.  Sprinkle with crushed candy.
5.  Place on waxed paper covered cookie sheet to cool.
Wrap with cellophane and tie with ribbons for gifts.

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HAVE FUN WITH MORE WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 
• Reindeer Theme
• Snowflake Theme
• Candy Cane Ideas and Goodies 

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