The Joy of Giving

LESSON 10

Children learn the joy of giving by making scented stovetop potpourri jars and surprise paper mâché balls, exploring sensory experiences and fostering creativity during the holiday season.

Stovetop Potpourri:

  • Mason jars

  • Oranges

  • Cranberries

  • Rosemary sprigs

  • Pine sprigs

  • Cinnamon sticks

  • Whole cloves

  • Anise stars

 Surprise Paper Mache Orange:

  • Water balloon

  • Paper

  • Cornstarch

Optional:

  • Crepe paper or colored paper

  • Paint

  • Small toys or treats

  • Book(s) about the joy of giving, or a holiday story you have on hand. Some ideas:

  • “Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree,” by Robert Barry,

  • “Apple Tree Christmas,” by Trinka Hakes Noble

  • “Babushka,” by Dawn Casey

  • “Bear Stays Up for Christmas,” by Karma Wilson

Materials

  • Gather materials

Preparations

  • Facilitate a discussion about the scents and purposes of the ingredients in stovetop potpourri, connecting the activity to sensory experiences.

  • Provide clear instructions and guidance for the paper mache activity, ensuring a successful and enjoyable crafting experience.

  • Encourage children to express their creativity by offering optional materials for decorating the paper mache oranges.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children engage in sensory exploration and creativity by crafting stovetop potpourri and a surprise paper mache orange.

  • Children learn about the ingredients used in stovetop potpourri and explore their scents, shapes, and textures.

  • Children practice fine motor skills through the process of creating paper mâché oranges, enhancing their creativity and artistic expression.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

  • Practice saying the verses for the lighting of the advent candles on your salt dough spiral.

Verses for Lighting the Advent Wreath

The first light of Advent

Is the light of stones.

The light that shines in seashells,

Crystals and in bones.

The second light of Advent

Is the light of plants.

Plants that reach up to the sun

And in the breezes dance.

The third light of Advent

Is the light of beasts.

The light of hope that we see

In the greatest and in the least.

The fourth light of Advent

Is the light of man.

The light of Love, the light of thought,

To give and understand.

Activity Flow

  1. Begin the lesson by discussing the joy of giving and making gifts for others. It might be fun to read a holiday book of your choice about the joy of giving. Then introduce the materials for the day's activities. Feel free to do one or both activities. It might also be helpful to do them on separate days. 

Stovetop Potpourri: 

  1. Gather ingredients to make stovetop potpourri. Consider making enough to hand out to friends, neighbors, or family members. Remember to take the time to explore the items with the 5 senses as you add them into the jar. Creating an enjoyable sensory experience for your child.

  2. Start by placing a layer of cranberries at the bottom of the jar.

  3. Add a couple of cinnamon sticks on top of the cranberries.

  4. Cut oranges into thin slices or wedges. Then place a layer of orange slices on top of the cinnamon sticks.

  5. Insert a few sprigs of rosemary and pine, distributing them evenly in the jar.

  6. Add whole cloves and anise stars to the mix.

  7. Encourage children to experiment with the layering, creating visually appealing patterns. If needed, add a final layer of cranberries.

  8. Securely seal each mason jar with its lid.

  9. Enjoy the delightful scents of the holiday season with these handmade stovetop potpourri jars! Gift them to friends, neighbors, or family.

  1. Collect water balloons, paper, and cornstarch. Optional: Crepe paper or colored paper, paint, small toys, or treats.

  2. Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth paste.

  3. Inflate water balloons to the desired size. Tie a knot at the end to secure the balloon.

  4. Cut strips of paper, ensuring they are manageable for dipping. Dip each strip into the cornstarch paste, coating it thoroughly.

  5. Apply the coated paper strips to the inflated water balloons, ensuring they overlap for strength. Cover the entire surface of the balloon, leaving a small opening near the knot.

  6. Add multiple layers to create a sturdy paper mache shell.

  7. Once finished, allow them to air-dry completely. Ensure they are fully dry before moving on to the next step.

  8. If desired, allow children to decorate the dried paper balls with crepe paper, colored paper, or paint. Encourage creativity in personalizing their creations.

  9. Once the paper mache balls are fully decorated and dry, carefully deflate the water balloons and remove them through the small opening. Optionally, insert small toys or treats inside the hollow paper mache oranges for a fun surprise to those you give them to.

  10. Seal the opening with additional layers of paper mache or colored paper.

  11. Add any finishing touches of your choice and enjoy sharing your paper mâché surprise balls with those you love this holiday season!

Surprise Paper Mache Ball: