Give Your Next Gift in a Treasure Box!

For kindergarten readers and writers, one of the most crucial parts of the year is mastering the fine motor skills that are needed for gripping pencils and handling them right.  So, here's some handwriting practice disguised as a gift box project. Your child will have fun decorating a box with jewels and practicing to write her name. For kindergarten writers, all this glue squeezing and letter-practicing are invaluable kinesthetic boosts for early literacy.  Little hands need these workouts, and little kids also get a huge boost out of the shine and pizzazz they’ve created.  Expect an enjoyable time making it with your child, and then give it as a gift to a family member once you're done.

What You Need:

• An empty cardboard shoebox
• Can of gold spray paint
• Pen or marker
• Squeezable liquid school glue (like Elmer’s)
• Squeezable glitter glue
• Fake flat “jewels” (available at craft stores)

What to Do:

1. First, prepare the box.  Parents, this step is yours. Lay some newspaper down in a clean, well ventilated area, and spray the outside of your shoebox with gold spray paint.  Make sure you cover all brand markings, and then let the box dry. Waiting for the box to dry will probably take about an hour, and the result should be gold and shiny.
2. Next, explain to your child that this is a special “treasure” gift box.  Help her use a pen or marker to write the letters for “To _________, From __________" on the lid of the box.  Then help her use the squeezable glitter glue to trace the letters.
3. Now it’s time to decorate.  Break out the jewels and invite your child to go to town with them—there are millions of possibilities!  Your child may enjoy creating random designs, or may even apply some kindergarten math skills by making a pattern.  Either option is bound to look great and your child will have fun doing it.
4. Once the box is done, use it in place of wrapping paper and give it as a gift. This box is sure to be a winner among children and adults alike!