Snow Family Parent Gifts

It's the time of the year where we give to others. Teaching students to give is so much fun. My goal was to create something cute and fun that kids can give to their families. I wanted it to be non-holiday specific, easy, and cheap.  I think they created something their families can treasure for years.

So, my students created these:

They are a snowman family that mirrors theirs. They were easy and fun to make. You can do it too! Here's how I did it.

First I got all my supplies. Some things you will already have. If not, Michaels to the rescue. Don't forget to use your teacher discount!

This year I needed some extra paint and to save myself a trip, I got the pom poms there too, although I just saw them at the Target dollar store.

The only part I need every year, are the following:

Canvas Panels. I get the 5 packs and this year I got 6 x 8. You can size up or down depending on what you want to have your kids make. 

Here is a supply list of everything you need:

pom poms or marshmallows

blue paint

white paint

Smaller amounts of other colors used for hats, faces, buttons, scarves, etc. 

large paint brushes

Q tips

canvas panels

ribbon

hot glue

First, cover the work space with newspaper. You're going to be splattering paint, so be ready.

Then, have the students paint the canvas blue. I like when it's a little streaky but it does look best when the streaks all go the same way. You can add white to your blue to make it the right blue for you. 

Then, using a paint brush, splatter white paint to look like falling snow. 

Some years I use marshmallows (because it's so FUN to paint with marshmallows) and some years I use pom poms. First, have the kids "sponge" on the snowy ground. Then have them "stamp" out their family. Typically I tell them adults are 3 "stamps," kids are 2, and babies are 1. Some kids like to add a pet which always turns out so cute, which is about 1 "stamp."

What you use to "stamp" out the family will depend on what size canvas you get.

Finally, they can use the Q tips to paint other colors to add accessories to their snowmen. 

 

This kid wanted to include his unborn sibling:

 

                                           How cute is that face on the mommy snowman? 😍

Once they are dry, the kids will write their messages, names, and year on the back. I will stick their picture on it and hot glue a ribbon to their masterpiece.

As a final touch, I sprayed an acrylic spray on top to help preserve them through the years. Also, I I had the kids write a note to their parents and attached a photo I took of them wearing a Santa hat. I cut up a white piece of cardstock into fourths and it fits perfectly on the back. It now is a lifetime treasure.


Next week, the kids will wrap these up and take them home. I love seeing how excited the kids are to give something to their families.


 

Happy holidays and happy teaching!