Fall 2024
The Christmas craft session was designed to encourage creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills development among children. Through decorating their Christmas globes, children explored different materials such as paint, glue, glitter, and decorative items like sequins and personal photos. The activity also provided an opportunity for social interactions and conversations about traditions and personal experiences.
Each child approached the activity uniquely, demonstrating their individuality in creativity and problem-solving. Some children independently chose colors and decorations, while others sought guidance and reassurance from the educator. This diverse engagement highlighted different learning styles and developmental stages. Ava chose blue snowflake sequins and shared, “This is my mom’s favorite color,” demonstrating a connection between the craft and her family. Shaun inquired, “Do I get to take this home? Why are we using glitter?” showcasing curiosity and a desire to understand the purpose behind materials. Some children mixed paint to create new colors and unique designs, displaying exploration and artistic decision-making. Others carefully positioned their decorations, focusing on symmetry, aesthetics, or personal significance.
The educator facilitated the activity by providing encouragement and posing open-ended questions that supported deeper engagement and reflection. Questions such as “Do you want to add more snowflakes?” and “I love how you’re making your globe sparkle!” fostered confidence, validated children’s choices, and prompted further exploration.
Key learning outcomes from this session included creativity and artistic expression, as children explored various artistic techniques and experimented with different materials. The activity also enhanced fine motor skills through the use of glue, glitter, and small decorations, improving hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Social and emotional growth was evident in the conversations about traditions and personal choices, which facilitated meaningful peer interactions and self-expression. Additionally, cognitive development was promoted through questions about materials and processes, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking.
The Christmas craft session successfully engaged children in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Future activities could build on this experience by offering more material choices to expand creative possibilities, encouraging storytelling related to the craft to deepen personal connections, and integrating more structured peer collaboration opportunities to enhance teamwork skills. Through this session, children not only created personalized decorations but also developed essential cognitive, social, and motor skills, making it a holistic and enriching learning experience.
Winter 2025
