:: THEME BASED LEARNING CURRICULUM ::

IMAGINATION

Imagination and creative thinking is seeing a bit of a comeback. Once thought of as a nice childhood skill is now sought after and seen as skills that help children and adults in all aspects of their lives. The activities listed are all centered around creativity and the limitless boundaries of a child’s imagination. In this week’s book imagination is center stage, below you will find ways to boost your child’s creativity and unleash their imagination.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.MAKE: Self Portrait Collage2.MAKE: Blotto Creations3.PLAY: Super Chef 4.MAKE: Creation Station5.PLAY: It’s Not A ...6.MAKE: Recycled Fairy House7.PLAY: DIY Magnetic Shapes

MAKE :: SELF PORTRAIT MASH UP This self portrait project allows children to collage a portrait of themselves from their own photo. They can create a whole new them or simply cut and paste the picture as is. Make sure to stress that they don’t have to make a realistic representation of themselves so their creativity can be realized .

WHO IS THIS FOR● Kindergarten● Grade 1 +

WHAT THEY LEARN

● Creative Self Expression● Fine Motor Development

WHAT YOU NEED

● Multiple pictures of your child ( photo or printer

paper)● Marker● Sheet of card stock● Scissors● Glue

WHAT YOU DO

Make a basic outline of a head with the marker. Cut the pictures and reconstruct a portrait by collaging the many photos together.

MAKE :: BLOTTO CREATIONSThis classic art project is akin to lying in the grass and finding shapes in the clouds. Use your child’s favorite colors of paint to make it that much more fun.

WHO IS THIS FOR● Preschool● Kindergarten● Grade 1 +

WHAT THEY LEARN

● Creative Thinking Skills● Color Recognition

WHAT YOU NEED

● Cardstock● Glue● Scissors● Pictures of friends - 2 wallet size ( 2.5 x 3.5) of each

friend

WHAT YOU DO

Fold the paper in half. Open. Pour some paint on one side. Close , press and reopen. Examine the shape , turn it from side to side and see if you can find an image . Does it look like anything familiar? Repeat with different color combinations and using different techniques while pressing the paper closed.

PLAY :: SUPER CHEFCreativity is most apparent when the boundaries are wide. This is a memorable cooking activity that pushes boundaries but absolutely launches creativity in the process. Using food items that are familiar but opening boundaries to new combinations sparks creative thinking.

WHO IS THIS FOR● Grade 1 +

WHAT THEY LEARN

● Food Knowledge● Creative Thinking● Writing Skills

WHAT YOU NEED

● Various Food Items● Kitchen Utensils● Paper and Pencil● Brave Parent or Two

WHAT YOU DO

Before starting set out a list of food your child may choose from, make it long if at all possible. Make sure nothing will make your child sick ( allergens, raw meat or eggs), or pose any risk ( choking hazards / using the stove for example). Explain that they get to create a new recipe. That they have free reign over the ingredients and how it’s prepared. Have them write out their recipe as they go along. Supervise closely but do not interfere.

MAKE :: CREATION STATIONArt doesn’t get much more open ended than this. It’s a creative buffet and your job is to have it fully stocked with materials and tools so your child can create a unique and imaginative piece of art.

WHO IS THIS FOR● Preschool● Kindergarten● Grade 1 +

WHAT THEY LEARN

● Creative Expression● Decision Making

● Fine Motor Skills

WHAT YOU NEED

● Various Materials such as: ● Recycled Materials such as cardboard boxes paper

rolls and jar lids.● Art Materials such as construction paper, pom poms,

googly eyes, glitter, yarn, glue and felt. ● Various tools like markers, paint, scissors, paper

punches, stamps and stickers.

WHAT YOU DO

Place all the materials and tools on a work space. Call it the creation station and then sit down yourself and start to create. Creating alongside your child models the decision making and creative process. Help if requested but just let your child make something , anything with the supplies at hand.

PLAY :: IT’S NOT A ...This is a game used in drama classes all over the globe to develop improvisation skills. It gets the mind thinking creatively on while on the spot. You can play with one or a whole herd of kids!

WHO IS THIS FOR● Grade 1 +

WHAT THEY LEARN

● Creative Thinking● Public Speaking● Improvisation

WHAT YOU NEED

● Everyday objects such as a remote, hairbrush,

cooking pot, spoon. Anything goes.

WHAT YOU DO

Sit in a circle. Grabbing your first object say “ This isn’t a ______remote for example____/ It’s a fishing rod “ and then pretend to go fishing with it. Pass it to the next person. Encourage creative results by praising often. Keep passing until there are no more ideas. Grab the next object.

MAKE :: RECYCLED FAIRY HOUSEDo you believe in fairies? It all comes down to imagination. This craft uses your child’s imagination , creativity and a milk jug to create a house for one of these tiny magical creatures.

WHO IS THIS FOR● Kindergarten● Grade 1+

WHAT THEY LEARN

● Fine Motor Skills● Creative Thinking● Decision Making

WHAT YOU NEED

● Milk Jug ( washed thoroughly)● Permanent Markers ● Sharp Scissors

WHAT YOU DO

Using the markers draw the doors and windows. Using sharp scissors have an adult make holes as a place to start for cutting. Using permanent markers decorate the house. Place it in your garden and wait for a fairy to move in. Tip : Do not touch the marker on the jug immediately , it will dry without smudging if left alone for a few seconds.

PLAY :: DIY MAGNETIC SHAPES This easy to make shapes magnet set can be used again and again to create and learn.

WHO IS THIS FOR● Preschool● Kindergarten● Grade 1 +

WHAT THEY LEARN

● Mathematical Skills - Shapes● Creative Thinking

WHAT YOU NEED

● Adhesive magnetic sheets● Foam sheets in colors of your choice● Cookie sheet or other metalic surface

WHAT YOU DO

Peel back the backing on the magnetic sheets, press the foam on. Cut into shapes. Encourage your children to make funny pictures and tell stories with the magnetic shapes . Join in and by making some of your own.