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Pre-k, Kindergarten, 1st Grades  Lesson 30 minutes

Nature's Gift Workshop: Crafting Holiday Wonders

Campbell B
K-2.AG.3.2
CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.2
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on exploration of nature to create holiday gifts, fostering creativity, collaboration, and an appreciation for the environment. Through activities like scavenger hunts and crafting sessions, students will develop skills in measurement, counting, and communication while building a sense of community and self-awareness. This project-based approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as students reflect on the seasonal availability of natural materials and their potential uses in crafting meaningful gifts.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of measurement by using standard units to measure the length of natural items collected during the scavenger hunt. They will enhance their counting skills and connect numbers to quantities as they count and arrange materials for their crafts. Through discussions and storytelling, students will practice listening and speaking skills, asking questions to deepen their understanding. They will engage in self-directed learning by reflecting on their crafting process and collaborating with peers to create meaningful holiday gifts. Students will explore their sense of identity and belonging by creating crafts that express their creativity and connection to nature.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-2.AG.3.2 - Standard units are used to measure length.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4 - Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.2 - Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create nature-inspired holiday ornaments using pinecones, acorns, and other natural materials, adding personal touches with paint or glitter. They will design bookmarks with pressed leaves and flowers, preserving them through lamination. Additionally, students will craft greeting cards by printing patterns with leaves and twigs, writing holiday messages inside. Finally, they will construct mobiles from sticks, leaves, and twine, which can be displayed in the classroom or gifted to family members.

Launch

Begin with a 'Crafting Storytime' where students listen to a tale about nature and creativity, sparking their imagination for the project. Follow this with a 'Nature Scavenger Hunt' in the schoolyard, encouraging students to gather leaves, twigs, and other natural items. Conclude by gathering in a circle to share their findings and discuss potential craft ideas, fostering collaboration and excitement for the creative process ahead.

Exhibition

Invite families and school staff to join the 'Crafting Circle Celebration,' where students proudly present their nature crafts. Each student can share the story behind their creation, highlighting the natural materials used and the inspiration drawn from their scavenger hunt and storytime. Display the group nature collage prominently as a collaborative centerpiece, showcasing the collective creativity and teamwork of the class. Encourage attendees to ask questions and engage with the students about their crafting process and the significance of their gifts.