I saw this on pinterest and thought I would see if it would be ‘child making’ friendly. I think it is! In a few weeks we’ll be having a go at making these mini houses at toddler group. I’ll warn the parents the week before.
The biscuits used are the ‘Bahlsen Continental’ biscuits for the base and two ‘Nice’ biscuits for the two sides. Decorate the Nice biscuits first (place on a paper towel ‘cushion’ to prevent breaking if little fingers press too hard) and then build the house and used tubes of icing to secure. I found that the biscuits were just the right size to make the triangle shape and held together really easily.
Of course always check for allergies before making anything edible.
These paper plates were made as an aid to telling the Christmas story but they could easily be adapted to be crafts. I had a lot of fun making them 🙂 They would make a lovely family craft activity to make during advent and then display at Christmas. And if you want a family craft at a church group then there is lots for a child and adult to enjoy.
All you need – good quality paper plates (these were from waitrose!), wool, tissue paper, material, triangles for the body shapes, heart shapes for the angel wings, shredded tissue paper, cotton wool, cardboard tubes/rolls. And any art/collage supplies you fancy! For glue I used double sided tape for the cardboard tubes and glue sticks.
I so wanted to make something like this last year but just ran out of time. So this year I was determined to make a craft focusing on Christingle. This is not necessarily instead of making the real thing. This craft could be done as an extra activity or used for very young children that you would rather didn’t have a candle.
The basic shape is drawn on a paper plate (this needs to be sturdy) and then I used paint. I would have used red ribbon but it was being elusive! The ‘sweets’ are beads on pipe cleaners. Do this for young children or alongside them as the beads are small. I attached these with cellotape.
The arrival of The Magi, or Wise men or Three Kings is traditionally celebrated twelve days after Christmas day on the 6 December.
The story is recorded in Matthew’s Gospel chapter 2. These men came from the east and having seen a new star in the sky they decided that the new star signified the birth of a new king. They travelled all the way to Jerusalem looking for this new king. But he wasn’t to be found there. The religious leaders are summoned by King Herod and they know that the promised king is to be found in Bethlehem. The Magi travel on and they find Jesus in the house with his mother. The baby is now a young toddler. The family are living in a house in Bethlehem and haven’t yet returned to Nazareth. Jesus has already been to Jerusalem where he has been taken to the temple. Simeon and Anna have both recognised the baby as the promised Saviour. (see Luke 2).
The Magi follow the star to the house where Jesus is and give him the gifts of gold, frankinsense and myrrh. Herod has given them instructions to then return to Jerusalem and tell exactly where the child is so he too can ‘worship him’. But The Magi are warned in a dream to go home by a different route. When Herod realises that they haven’t done as he said he has all the young boys of bethleham killed. Mary and Joseph escape with Jesus to Egypt and return to live in Nazareth when Herod dies.
The Visit of the Magi Story idea
Have a star and either pitures of The Magi or models. The ones in the pictures are from a Nativity set. (You can refer to The magi as Wise men or kings. The Bible doesn’t say how many there were but we know that they gave three gifts.)
‘A long, long, long time ago some Wise Men (show pictures or models) were looking up at the dark night sky. (Everyone look up).
They could see the stars twinkling in the sky (make stars shapes with hands). ‘Look’ they said ‘there is a brand new star!’ (show star) ‘The new star means that a new King has been born. We must find him and go and give him gifts.’
The wise men packed their bags. (Pretend to be packing bags). They set off following the star.
They went to a big city. They didn’t find the new king there.
They went to a big palace. They didn’t find the new king there.
Where is he? The Wise men kept looking.
They followed the star to a small town with a small ordinary house and there was a little boy. He was the New king. His name is Jesus. The wise men bowed down and gave him their gifts. They had looked and looked for him and were so happy that they had found him.’
Visit of the Magi craft
Decorate star shapes with pictures cut from old christmas cards and wrapping paper.
Older children could think about the word Epiphany and what it means. Although the Bible doesn’t use the word in this story it is the traditional word used to decribe the visit of The Magi. They could also make a timeline of events recorded in Luke and Matthew from the angels visit to Mary up to Luke 2:40 when the family return to Nazareth and settle. Both gospel writers include different parts of the Christmas Story.
Once they have a simple timeline they could plot the journeys taken by Mary and Joseph and, after he was born, Jesus and the Magi on a map.
Isaiah 25:9 ‘It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’ ‘
Micah 5:2 ‘But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.’
All you need for this snowflake craft – beads and 3 pipe cleaners. Couldn’t be easier! Just criss cross the pipe cleaners to make a star shape and add the beads. Turn the pipe cleaner ends over slightly so the beads stay on. That’s it!
Isaiah 9:6 ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting father, Prince of Peace.’
Craft idea for today – paper plate wreath with a crepe paper ribbon.
Something to listen to and enjoy taken from today’s verse from the Bible
The story of the first Christmas is a lovely story to tell. Children can also act out what happened and dress up as the different characters.
There are different ways to tell the story-
– use a nativity set and a story bag. Place all the figures inside and take them out when you need them.
– use objects to represent the different people in the story – a toy sheep, a shepherd’s crook, the cloths to wrap the baby in. Add other items- straw for the stable, stars,
– adults could dress up for the different parts and either one person narrate the story or people have speaking parts.
When you tell the story it’s good to remind the audience that it comes from the Bible – so have a Bible to show. The events of the first Christmas are recorded in Luke 2:1-21.
The magi (wise men, kings) don’t visit the stable but arrive some time later. Their visit is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.
Each day of advent I plan to post a photo of our advent candle/s, a verse from the Bible relating to the Christmas season and a Christmassy picture. Some days I hope to include a craft idea too. Keep visiting each day to discover the next Bible verse and picture.
Isaiah 9:2 ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined’
The visit of the angel Gabriel to mary is recorded in Luke 1:26 -36.
This is an important part of the christmas story but can be difficult to tell to young children. I opt for sticking to the main points of the story. There is a craft at the end opf this post.
To tell the story
A story bag with Mary and the angel inside. Or you could have them in a box wrapped like a present.
A long time ago there was a woman called Mary (Take mary from the bag/present). She was looking forward to getting married. One day she was busy at home when someone came to see her.
Was it her mum? No
Was it Joseph who she was going to marry? No
lets find out – (take the angel from the bag/present). An angel had been sent from God to tell mary some news. The angels name was Gabriel. He was a big, strong messenger from God.
‘God is pleased with you.’ The angel said. ‘Don’t be afraid. God has chosen you to have a special baby. He will be God’s son. He will rule over a Kingdom’
How is this possible? Mary asked
God will make this happen. God can do anyhing he wants’. The angel said.
What an amazing message! Mary agreed to be the mum of this special baby.
Angel craft – you need – white paper for the body, circle head and pens to draw on features, sparkly pip cleaner, wool, silver heart shapes (at least two per angel but you can use more to make the wigs larger), glue, A4 paper or card.
To make this wreath you will need a paper plate with the centre cut out. Paint this red or green. Leave to dry. Cut out lots of hearts in christmasy paper – a paper punch like the one in the photo will save a lot of time. Older children could use one but I would prepare the hearts ahead of time. Glue these to the paper plate wreath. Add ribbon.
You could use coloured paper plates but make sure the glue you have sticks to them, especially if they look shiny. Wired ribbon will hold a bow shapes fairly well. I bought the one in the photo from Costco.
I found this decoration idea on Pinterest. Take a look at the original by Happy Hooligans here. It is so simple and easy to make but also looks great. There is no need for glue or paint either!
All you need are some glittery pipe cleaners, beads – I used circular and star shaped and a pencil to wrap the pipe cleaner around to make the spiral shape.
Make a ‘knot’ at the bottom of the spiral by twisting the pipe cleaner around a few times so that the beads don’t fall off.
Thread the beads on. I chose to leave spaces between groups of three. At the end of the pipe cleaner make a hook shape so it will hang from the Christmas tree.
I loved making this craft. It is so simple but looks fabulous! It is only suitable for children over 5 years old as the beads are a chocking hazard.
Button craft Christmas tree. This is a lovely simple craft to make at home or with a group. It’s fairly flexible – you don’t need to use buttons, tissue paper, wrapping paper, stickers will all work well. Children don’t have to fill in all the circles but if you want to make this a little more educational they can do some shape matching.
The buttons in this craft make the tree a little bit extra special. Older children can match the correct sized button to the circles. Use PVA glue as buttons are heavier than paper/card and will need a strong glue to stick firmly. Make sure there is plenty of time for the glue to dry before these are taken home or the buttons will fall off!
If under fives are going to be doing the craft use stickers instead as buttons are a chocking hazard.
If you like you can also add glitter glue/ glitter and a star on the top. For the star a star shaped sticker would be great.
Use the PDF file to print the trees onto card – it will work better than paper, although if paper is all you have that’s OK. Coloured card works really well, take a look at the example below.
Finally, the tree can be cut out, some ribbon attached to the top, and you have a lovely, home made Christmas decoration. Don’t forget to add the child’s name and the date to the back.
To buy some Buttons suitable for crafts from Amazon follow this link. This post contains affiliate links, if you click and purchase the item I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support in this way is really appreciated.
This is a super easy Christmas Tree picture. Use the PDF christmas tree to print either a template or straight on to green paper/card. Cut out and stick onto a dark background. Decorate the tree with sequins, buttons and ribbon and a star.
Christmas is coming! Here are some gingerbread/cookie ideas. Click on the links to go direct to the websites. I like these ideas because they are simple but very effective and fun.
Simple gingerbread house – found on Betty Crocker website. This is far easier than making a traditional gingerbread house as there is no need to try and stick walls to each other. Much easier if there is a group of children.
This is a very easy craft to prepare. Cut out a stocking shape using sugar/construction paper. Leave a space at the top for the child’s name. Make a hole with a hole punch so the stocking can be hung up as a decoration. (This is optional)
The children can decorate the stocking with crayons/felt tips/ sequins/ stickers/ glitter. Apart from the stocking shape this is quite an open ended craft activity. Give the children lots of different materials to choose from but let them decorate the stocking as they wish.
J is for Jesus is part of the Bible Alphabet series. I decided on the annunciation story for the letter J because we were so close to Christmas. It followed on from ‘I is for Immanuel’ really well.
To tell the story : Before you begin tell the children that there is something for them to say part way through the story. Get them to repeat ‘don’t be afraid’ a couple of times.
Long, long ago in a town that looked like this…
In a house that looked like this…
there lived a lady who was having a busy day. She was cleaning, she was dusting ..(do the actions for these tasks and ask the children to join in) when she had a big surprise (look surprised) . A big, strong messenger from God had been sent to speak to her. We call God’s big, strong messengers angels. The lady was frightened. She had never seen an angel before.
What did he say? (Are you ready? remember the words we practiced at the beginning) He said, ‘Don’t be afraid’. ‘You have been chosen by God to have a very special baby. He will be a king forever and you will give him the name Jesus.’
The lady’s name was Mary. She was going to have a special baby and call him Jesus.
J is for Jesus, the special King sent by God.
For the figures of Mary and the angel I used items from an old Early Learning Nativity. (This is similar from Happy Land ) and introduced them from a story bag at the appropriate time in the story. The pictures of Nazareth and the house are flannelgraph backgrounds. These were on a board one over the other. After using the first, flip over to the second.
I is for Immanuel is part of our Bible Alphabet series of stories for young children’
I just couldn’t think of what to do for the letter i in our Bible alphabet series at toddler group. I looked through Young’s concordance and decided on Immanuel. It fitted so well as we are approaching Christmas.
Bible references – Immanuel is mentioned three times in the Bible – Isaiah 7:14; 8:8 and Matt 1:23.
I is for Immanuel story –
In the story bag I had Isaiah (a knitted doll) and a scroll made out of sugar paper.
‘A long. long’ long time ago there lived a man called Isaiah (ask children to say the name and take Isaiah out of the story bag).
He was given a message from God to tell to the king. It was a promise. Isaiah wrote it down. What could the promise be? Let’s find out? (Take the scroll out of the bag and read what is says on the outside). Lets open the scroll and find out what God promised. (Open the scroll and read the words inside).
God promised to send a baby who would be called Immanuel (ask children to repeat the name). The name Immanuel means ‘God with us’. The baby to be born would be ‘God with us’.
Items for the story bag
Scroll
Message inside the scroll
You could of course use this for ‘i is for Isaiah’ but if you were teaching the children the sounds of the letters in English (phonics) it would not fit.
Start with a template. Draw around this onto two pieces of black A4 sugar paper (construction paper) I secured it with paper clips to make things easier . This design was tricky to cut out but older children could do it with some help and patience. If you have a small group I would be tempted to do this beforehand with a craft knife.
Cover window with tissue paper. Cut this into strips beforehand. Glue the other A4 black paper to the back. Hang in a window.
Go to this post for a PDF of the template that you can print.
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