Early learning goals for toddlers include creative development. "The creative arts, including music, movement, dramatic play, puppetry, painting, sculpture, and drawing, are a crucial part of early childhood. Not only do the arts allow children to express themselves, but creative activity can enhance development of children's skills in literacy, science, math, social studies, and more” according to “ Spotlight on Young Children and the Creative Arts ” by Derry Koralek [NAEYC, 2005]. Art, therefore, nurtures creativity.
Preschool teachers and daycare providers have the opportunity to promote creative development by providing art activities that explore media and materials and encourage imagination.
This craft activity is perfect for New Year’s lesson plans. It is an excellent example of an opportunity to foster expression, to encourage spontaneity in material usage, and to introduce children to textured materials.
This New Year’s lesson plan includes the materials list, preparation instructions, and procedures for this activity. It also includes age appropriate learning objectives and samples of the simple, supporting verbal cues necessary to encourage participation and support learning.
New Year’s Eve Party Hat Materials
Construction Paper
Tape
Glue
Scissors
Markers
Crayons
Colored pencils
Feathers
Ribbons
Stickers
Other Embellishments of your choosing
Activity Preparation
- Fold long pieces of construction paper into the shape of a cone to fit a child’s side head. Then tape or staple the hat to secure the ends.
- Cover a table with butcher paper.
- Lay out all materials on the activity table.
Procedures for New Year’s Eve Hat
- Invite the children over and explain to them that they can make decorate a party hat for New Year’s Eve.
- Encourage the children to decorate the hat.
- Allow to dry completely.
New Year’s Hat Learning Objectives
Objective 1
To provide the opportunity for expressive activities by encouraging the children to create a New Year’s hat.
Verbal Cue A: “Today we are going to a make and decorate a New year’s hat!"
Verbal Cue B: "I have lots different decorations for you to use”.
Objective 2
To encourage spontaneity in material usage by allowing the children to choose colors and decorations.
Verbal Cue A: "Which decorations would you like to use on the hat?”
Verbal Cue B: "I like the way you are coloring your hat!"
Objective 3
To promote the sharing of art materials to foster social interaction and cooperation
Verbal Cue A: "Let’s take turns using the glitter.”
Verbal Cue B: "Can you let Bert use the sequins?”
This New Year’s raft activity is a creative arts project that children ages 3 and older will certainly enjoy. Use a wide variety of colors and encourage sensory discoveries. For more daycare and preschool activities, see Online Preschool Lesson Plans.
Carla Snuggs - As a writer for Suite101.com since 2005, it is a privilege to continue on as theTopic Editor for the subject of Day Care. I received a ...
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