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Author: Robin Donovan
Categories: 1st Grade, Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are one of the most enjoyable ways for school-aged children to celebrate the holiday season – inside and away from the cold. And they don't have to be limited to school time! There are many classroom activities that can easily be done at home – holiday projects that allow you to spend quality time with your kids. So break out the craft glue and empty some milk cartons. Here are two great ways to get your hands a little dirty, and celebrate the season family-style.

Handmade Goose Egg Ornament
Materials
Goose egg, drained and cleansed of its yolk
Ornament hanger (can be removed from a generic ornament)
Holiday-printed tissue paper
Craft glue
Paintbrush
Embellishments – gold cord, glitter, buttons, etc. (optional)
Glue solution
1 tablespoon white school glue
2 tablespoons lukewarm water
  1. In a cup, mix the water and the glue together, stirring frequently to get a sticky, watery solution.
  2. Make cut-outs of your choice from the holiday tissue. These will form the design of your egg.
  3. Dip the paintbrush in the glue solution, and brush the area of the egg that you want decorated. Gently place a cut-out over the sticky area, and brush some more glue solution over the cut-out to ensure adhesion to the egg. Sprinkle with glitter if you'd like. To add embellishments, use craft glue, rather than the watery glue solution. Allow to dry.
  4. Using the craft glue, glue the ornament hanger to the top of the goose egg. Hold for a few minutes to ensure it's secured it in place. Allow to dry.
Gingerbread Milk Carton Houses
Materials
1 washed, empty, pint-size milk carton
6 full rectangular sheets of graham crackers
3 cups white frosting, homemade or store bought
8"x8" piece of cardboard
1 sq. ft. aluminum foil
Candies – e.g. gum drops, peppermints, licorice
Decorating bag (optional)
  1. To create a base for the house, wrap the piece of cardboard in foil. Put a dollop of frosting on the cardboard where you want the house to go. Press the milk carton firmly into place.
  2. Make sure the carton is closed. Below the opening of the carton, on either side, there will be a triangular space exposed. Cut a graham cracker to create two triangles, sized to fit each space. Frost the triangles. Press firmly into place.
  3. Smear frosting on the rest of the milk carton. Press the graham crackers firmly onto the frosted carton. There should be enough crackers to cover the entire "house," including the "roof," and in case some break.
  4. Use the frosting as "glue" and holiday candies as decoration. Decorating bags can be used to create detailed designs.