Get Ready for School: Make a Schultüte!

What You Need:

• Thin cardboard such as a cereal box or file folder
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Tape or stapler
• Glue
• Writing paper
• Pencil

What You Do:

1. Explain to your child that in Germany children get Schultuete, or sugar cones, full of treats and school supplies on the first day of each school year. In creating your tradition, your child will make his or her own cone and you will both put something into it.
2. Draw a large circle on the cardboard and help your child cut it out. Cut out a wedge that is approximately 1/4 of the circle. Help your child overlap the edges of the “circle” to form the cone. Have your child tape or staple this edge.
3. Collage is a fun way to develop fine motor skills. Turn your child loose with brightly colored construction paper to cover the cone.
4. While your child does this, discuss her hopes for the upcoming school year. Does she want to learn a new song in music class? Sing in the Christmas program? Make a list. When the cone is finished, fold the list and place it inside the cone.
5. Have your child place the Schultuete beside her backpack.
6. When she's in bed, place small items such as pencils or hair clips in the cone for a special treat that will greet her before she begins the new adventure she'll find in kindergarten.