Festive in the Classroom

I'm always trying to find new, fun and festive ideas of things to do with the kids during the holiday season.  We always have an early release or full day off from school landing somewhere near each major holiday, which are perfect times to get out the craft supplies and have some fun!
Here are some of my favorite holiday crafts to do with the little ones to take home.   Easy Christmas Trees from Fantastic Fun and Learning

 How awesome is this idea? I'm all about finger painting, but this is a great idea to keep things clean -- I have some kids who hate getting their fingers messy so they would love this! I think it's also fun that the pom poms match the color paint they belong with :) This would be great for our little ones.
Build a Snowman from happy hooligans

This activity would be awesome for all ages - the older kids could get SO creative with this and really add a lot of detail. The little ones would love getting to pick their own pieces out and make it their own.
Name Trees from Miss Kindergarten

I love this activity - perfect for kindergarteners - and it can be completed with or without the name. You could also modify this and make snowmen! Good practice for spelling names and using scissors.
Shape Ornaments from Mrs. Lee's Kindergarten

These ornaments would look so cute hanging up around a classroom.  Even though this idea was inspired by a kindergarten teacher, I think you could use it with all ages. Especially with the older kiddos who are diving into geometry. They could get really creative with this - either making it symmetrical or trying to fill the circle the best they can with shapes.

I love getting festive! Plus these crafts gives the kids something to do with all of their craaazzzy holiday energy!

Lilly here, Lilly there, Lilly, Lilly everywhere!

I'm back from my vacay! So many wonderful stories and pictures to share.   Until then, this is my life...

But really, I feel like dying because the site crashed one trillion times. After I got up at 7:30 to be ready for it! I did manage to get an order in, though...I think. Hoping it goes through! Personally I think LP should have sales like this periodically...not just 1-2 times a year. Then maybe the lay-days wouldn't go so cray-cray. Myself included. Just a thought. I also shared some DIY Lilly crafts on instagram that I will share here, too!   Shift Dress Wall Piece

For this, I bought the wood piece at Michael's and painted it white. Then, I used a Sharpie paint pen (pink) to write the words. For the dresses, I drew a shift pattern, traced it onto old agenda pages and cut them out! Allie, of Creativity and Cardigans, inspired this craft with this post! She has so many awesome DIY projects with wonderful directions! DIY Frame

I bought the wood frame at Michael's (at the time 2/$1) - can be any shape/size! Again, I used old agenda sheets and used Mod Podge to apply! I put a layer of Mod Podge down, put down the paper, and then applied a layer on top. I left a space at the top blank to paint white and I added the Lilly quote! I've seen this project floating around...it seems to be a favorite! These are both super easy to make and super cute! I also must give my little brother credit for doing this amazing You Gotta Regatta inspired canvas for me!

He's the bomb. Enough Lilly talk for today.

It's Ok Thursday!

Hiiiiiii y'alllllllll!

 

I have been so exhausted this week and I just can't wait for the weekend! I'm going to {finally} sleep in, do some babysitting and just plain RELAX for a little bit. Oh yeah, and clean my HUGE mess of a room. 

In the mean time I am linking up for It's Ok Thursday!

 

It's Ok...

...that I was "that girl' who listened to the meteorologist today who was WRONG about the temperature. Shorts in the rain isn't fun.

  

...that I'm not afraid to admit I am still scared of lightning. You will never see me run so fast than when I have to get from point A to point B outside when there is lightning. (At least I've gotten past the point of just sitting in the car like I did when my mom would go in the house fine and dandy and leave me to make a break for it.)

 

...that I gave my borderline anorexic roommate the water bill amount on piece of my "Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake" note pad. Just trying to offer some nonchalant advice.

...that my March Madness involvement goes as far as filling out a mascot bracket. Who would win in a battle? I have the Grizzlies as 2012 champs. No idea what team that is...

...that in all seriousness, I will watch (and cheer on) Lehigh tomorrow when they play against Duke. Hey...anything could happen!

 

...to take study breaks every now and again, and by study breaks I mean "search for proposal/wedding entrance/surprise solider homecoming/cute baby youtube videos" breaks.

...to want EVERYTHING from Sweet Tea Paperie. That is the truth.

...that I'm just now getting back into a workout routine. Mom and I have planned a weekly her walk/I run evening on the Huckleberry. Now I just need to choose a race to plan for :)

...to be so confused yet so intrigued by the 35 tons of snow they are plopping on our drillfield today for a ski and snowboard competition. I'm going to try and sneak a peek.

...to feel so out of the loop because I haven't read The Hunger Games yet :( I own the first two, I just need to find time to read!

...that I'm still unpacking from Spring Break...it's a lengthy process.

...to already have summer plans on my mind :) only 8 more weeks of school!

Time to go fight through the rain and head to work!

Speaking of which, I am so glad to be back at work - going a whole week without seeing the kids was weird!

However, the little welcome back hugs made it worth it.

 

Yesterday I planned some St. Patrick's Day crafts and games to do with them, including this one that was so much fun:

I got a little teary-eyed when I read what some of the kids put! 

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,