Jingle Bell Banner

Jingle Bell Banner

I have been trying to work some letter learning into our holiday crafts, this was today's effort. This will work for any celebration, you can spell out Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Happy New Year... the sky is the limit. I chose to do Noel because I want my son to understand that his mommy's country speaks 2 languages and because 4 letters was the perfect amount for a 2 year old! In a class, allowing each child to do one letter is a great option.

1. Gather your materials. You will need some cardboard, paint, a plain kitchen sponge, thin ribbon, scissors, a marker and a few jingle bells.

2. Write the letters on the cardboard. Don't cut them all the way out. Children, especially if they are young, will be more likely to paint to the edges of the letter. Ho Ho Ho is another great option for Santa fans!

3. Time to paint. Sponge painting is a great way to encourage the application of lots of paint, within a toddler or preschooler's attention span. We added yellow sparkle paint to our green paint for some flair!

4. Alternate between the red and green paint.

5. Let all the letters dry.

6. When dry, cut them out. Older kids can do this but cardboard is tricky for little hands.

7. Poke tiny holes in the top of the letters and thread your ribbon through.

8. After adding your first letter, add a jingle bell and tie a knot. Continue with the rest of the letters and jingle bells.

9. Hang it up!

Allison McDonald

has been teaching young children in various capacities since 1993. She started as a day camp leader in high school, taught various preschool programs at community centers through university, worked as a tutor while pursuing a second degree in elementary education, and most recently worked as a director and preschool teacher before becoming a full time mom. Now that she is at home she keeps one foot in education while sharing that side of her life with her son and the results have been amazing.

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