Father's
Day is fast approaching which means as teachers now is the time to
plan for gifts. No matter how prepared I think I am, special crafts
always seem to take twice as long to do in the preschool classroom. I
am not sure if it is because I always plan to much or if it never
taking into account the messiness of projects.
Either
way, now is the time to start planning and gathering supplies. For
those not sure what to do this year, here are a few suggestions of
activities I have do or will do this year.
T-shirts
Be sure
to ask each child to bring a t-shirt for their dad. Kids love making
special presents for their fathers. Therefore, you want to make sure
it is something they can actually wear. There are several ways to
decorate. You can let the kids tie dye and write number one dad on
it. You can let them place different color hand prints on the shirt
and then write, "#1 Dad, Hands Down!"
Hats
Plain
white baseball caps can be bought at the local craft store or teacher
supply store. You can also check out the local hardware store for
painters hats. Have the kids splatter paint to decorate or sponge
paint with different "dad" designs such as baseballs, tools, etc.
Use a fabric marker to write #1 Dad on the front. Be sure to use
fabric paint and have lots of cleaning supplies handy since it is not
washable.
Footprints
Have the
children walk across construction paper or poster board after
stepping in paint. Then write, "I am walking in your footprints!"
You can even buy inexpensive frames from the dollar store. Dads have
expressed gratitude for this gift because they can use it as a daily
reminder of how they are a role model for their child. Another option
is to include this poem on the bottom or side of the 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."
Calendar
Print
out a calendar from the computer for the next year. Have the children
draw pictures for each month of the year. In January, they can draw
snowmen, February maybe some hearts and so on. Then have it spiral
bound as a gift for their dad.
Pictures
Have the
moms bring some of the children's fathers clothes to dress up in.
Have the children pose for a picture pretending to work like their
dad does or just posing with a smile. Then create a frame out of foam
sheets, construction paper or craft sticks.
Drawings
Allow
their kids to use their imaginations and draw a picture of their dad
playing with them. Pull out all the art materials; paint,
markers,etc. Then place in a frame for dad.
Paperweight
Have the
children mold modeling clay in any shape they want. Then stick items
such as screws, nails, fishing hooks into the clay. Let dry. It makes
a great paperweight. Make sure you monitor this craft closely for
safety reasons.
These
are just a few suggestions. Enjoy the kids imaginations and the
messes that are sure to come. It will be all worth it to watch the
kids get excited about making their dads presents.
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