Family Crest
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Discuss family crests. Then brainstorm with children to get ideas that could represent their family histories or lives. Here are just a few of the many possibilities:
Flags that represent the countries their families came from
Pictures of foods that are common to their ethnicity
Pictures that represent first or last names
Drawings that depict favorite family events
Photos that show family celebrations
Need: A large piece of paper, at least 11″x14″, The pictures, Crayons, markers, pencil, An outline of a shield cut from oak tag, Glue (optional)
Directions:
On the large piece of paper, trace the oak tag shield or draw an outline of any shape (such as an oval).
Divide the shape into three or four equal sections. In each section, draw a picture that represents one idea about your family.
Some children may prefer to cut out pictures from magazines or use a family photograph. Another alternative is to use a computer, since this activity can be done easily with any drawing program. Laminate the finished crests, if possible. Have children share and compare their crests.
Mommy and Daddy Collage
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Magazine, paper, glue, scissors
Directions: In advance (or if the children are old enough the can do it themselves.), cut out magazine pictures of male adults doing things with children and pictures of female adults with children. Glue picture onto a piece of paper for a family collage.
Family Puppets
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Paper, craft stick, collage material
Directions: Give each child a cut out of a person (kind of like a gingerbread man pattern) from multi cultural colored paper. Then the kids can decorate and make any family members they wish to. Then attach them to craft sticks and there you go.
Family Mobile
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: paper, strong paper, yarn or string, hanger
Directions: Have the child draw a picture of each member of the family. Include the pet if the child has one. Cut out each family member. Glue each picture on strong paper or cardboard. Hang the pictures using yarn or string on a hanger to make a mobile. Print the last name on a piece of paper and fasten it to the hanger. Hang your mobile in the classroom.
Family Tree
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: paper, apple shaped sponge, markers
Directions: Give them each a tree shape drawn on a piece of paper and sponges cut into apple shapes have them sponge paint the apples onto the tree to represent each family member provider will write names on the apples.
Family Home
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Milk carton, paper, crayons and markers, tongue depressors
Directions: Use a milk carton cut in half and cover with construction paper. Have children add windows, doors, trees, etc., cut from construction paper (or draw on details) to resemble the child’s house. Have the children draw the members of their families and include pets on tongue depressors and place them into the house.
Family Hand Prints
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Paper, collage materials
Directions: Have each child’s family trace their hands on paper. Each family member can decorate their hand any way they wish. Each child can then make a hand print collage of their family.
Families Collage
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Magazines, paper, glue
Directions: Have the children make a collage out of magazine pictures of families.
My Family Is Special
Added: 08-22-2001
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Paper, glue
Directions: Trace the child’s handprint twice. Cut out. Also cut out a long rectangle (this will be the arms). Glue one handprint on either end of the long rectangle (arms). Write on the arm part: “My family is special because……..” Have the children finish the sentence.
Potato Print Family
Added: 08-19-2002
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Paper, paint, potato, knife (Adult only)
Directions: Use different sizes of potatoes to represent each family member paint them different colors & print onto construction paper.
Family Portrait
Added: 08-26-2002
Original Author: Unknown
Need: Paper Plates, Yarn, Crayons, markers, or paint
Directions: Let the children create a picture of their family on the inside of the plate.
Then put holes in the sides of the plate and thread the yarn through it. Now you can hang the family portraits on the wall.