March 7th-11th Family Activities Newsletter

Welcome to the WMHT Family Activities Newsletter.
This weekly family newsletter is providing resources for children’s growing and learning throughout the winter and spring months.
The theme for this week is Animal Arts and Crafts.
I hope you find this helpful!
Barbara Lukas, Family Learning Coordinator
Theme: Animal Arts and Crafts
Welcome to family activities with PBS Kids!  Millions of different animals have been on the earth at different times throughout history. Try different activities to create some of today’s animals, or even make some from the past. 
Two age level areas are available – PreK-K and Grades 1-2. 
PreK-K
Paper plates can be used in many crafts. In this activity, you can create colorful snakes using paper plates and googly eyes. Look for craft paint and googly eyes in Dollar stores. What colors did you use on your snakes? 
       Create Clay Animal Tracks
In this activity, turn your favorite animal tracks into art by imprinting on clay. Begin your research in library books or on-line. Select some local animals and observe their tracks. Purchase clay from the craft store, or make your own from a favorite recipe. Using your fingers or tools found around the house, make track imprints in the clay. If planning to hang the imprint, be sure to make a hole in the clay before it dries. When they’re done, hang the finished pieces on the wall or gift them to someone special!
Grades 1-2
Let nature inspire art when you reuse plastic soda bottles to create fun and festive fireflies for display or pretend play. These instructions will get you started. Supplies include plastic water bottles, pipe cleaners, construction paper, googly eyes, glue and tape. Did you invite a friend to make fireflies with you?
    Dinosaur Feet
Many types of dinosaurs once roamed the earth, until about 75 million years ago. They are gone but not forgotten. Create your own set of dino feet with these directions. You will need 2 full-sized tissue boxes, duct tape, and paint & glue. You can use sponges, craft foam, or even cardboard to make the dinosaur toes. Be sure to let the toes dry before you go dinosaur walking!

Stick With It: Encouraging Persistence in Kids
Persistence is a helpful trait in life. It describes how long we are able to stick at a task, manage frustration, and push through the challenges we encounter. This quality is part of a child’s growing self-regulation skills, which emerge between 3 and 7 years of age (and continue to develop for many more years). Extended activities, like art projects, teach patience and persistence. Check out some tips from PBS Parents to help you guide your children as they develop skills and manage daily activities.

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