June Activity of the Month - Pet Rock - Craft

Pet Rocks

Why this activity? When you were a child did you ever think about how cool it would be to have a pet monster, monkey, ladybug or even a dog but your parents would never let you? Well guess what? Now you and your children can make your imaginations into reality by using a rock to create your dream pet! It’s fun, creative and most importantly a craft that you can keep forever, while remembering that odd pet faze you went through as a child.

Items you will need: Rocks (various sizes), glue (white glue and possibly glue gun), markers, jewels, glitter, googly eyes, various fabrics (i.e. cotton, felt, foam), feathers, fur material and any other unique items that you would like to use for your pet.

Where can you buy the items? Rocks can be found at any craft store, dollar store or at any beach or park. The craft supplies can be found at Wal-Mart, Zellers, Michaels, various dollar stores and art & craft stores.

Suitable ages: 3 years old to12 years old. This craft can be modified to make it suitable for younger children to engage in.

***Please note: Adult assistance and supervision during this craft for children ages 6 years and younger is a must! ***

March 'Activity of the Month'

Cardboard Box Theatre

Picture from: Shepherd, N. (2006). My Ultimate Art Class. New York: DK Publishing, Inc.

Why this activity? This craft is fun and very interactive as children learn how to engage in an activity while collaborating with others to create a unique theatre! Children can pretend to be different characters and experiment with their imagination and ideas of reality vs. make belief. Also, this craft can help foster children's social skills by presenting in front of an audience. As a result children may feel a sense of empowerment &/personal accomplished!

Items you will need: Medium or large size cardboard box (varies on the size of the puppets), felt, tissue paper, material (i.e. silk, cotton, suede, leather), yarn/string/ribbon, construction paper, makers, paint, glitter, jewels, clothes pins, glue (hot glue-optional), tape, stapler and scissor(s).

Where can you buy the items? The cardboard box you can get from any grocery store and or any leftover/unused boxes at home!

Suitable ages: 2 ½ years old to 12 years old.

***Please note: younger children may need help by an adult &/an older child when creating Cardboard Box Theatre! ***