Celebrating the Start of the Academic Year
September 1 traditionally marks the beginning of a new academic year in my mind, as it is when I started a new school year when I was growing up in Ukraine. Looking back at those days, the first day was always filled with celebration and expression of gratitude to our teachers. Students filled the classroom with flower bouquets. In Ukraine, this practice continues to this day. This practice is relevant in the US as well, although I have not seen it as widespread. I have seen parents and students bring flowers. I have also seen other presents being gifted. I think that this is an excellent idea.
Crafting: A Bonding and Educational Experience
For parents, one of the most cherished gifts involves creations from their little ones. But it’s not just about the final piece; the shared crafting experience offers joy and valuable learning. Teachers appreciate this just as much. Crafting cards emerge as an excellent project for this purpose.
During the pandemic, my children and I embarked on this crafting journey. My kids, being preschoolers then, found excitement in assembling pre-made parts. This not only sped up the completion but also fueled their enthusiasm for future crafting endeavors. This journey was not limited to cards. Anything can become a source of inspiration. For us, it has been the following project:
Other inspirations are stories for other posts.
Prioritizing Safety in Kid’s Crafts
Always prioritize safety. Keep a keen eye on young crafters, especially when they handle potentially hazardous items like scissors. Also, monitoring materials like glue and paint proves crucial to ensure safe and fun crafting sessions.
Ideas to Spark Creativity
Wondering where to start? Here are some card ideas that might inspire you:
- Drawing an illustration
- Crafting patterns with stickers
- Using stamps for imprints
- Cutting images from activity sheets or books
- Designing with colored paper (e.g., creating a flower)
- Experimenting with advanced techniques like origami or quilling
Crafting Duration and Participation
It’s essential to consider your child’s attention span and the project’s complexity. I’ve found that having a prepared message helps engage the child in the writing process. If your child can’t write yet, ask them what message they’d like to convey, jot it down, and then let them add a personal touch, like a small drawing to color. Even dipping their little hands in finger paint and putting handprints on the card lets them contribute. The recipient, who is most likely a family member or a close friend, will cherish this personal touch for a long time. These moments of collaboration create lasting memories.
