With winter coming up, it’s a great time to start planning a craft or activity table for your preschool classroom. Our suncatcher SVG files are perfect for creating paper stained glass art that not only adds decoration to your class windows, but also incorporates fine motor and artistic skills. Below are suncatcher activities featuring arctic animals, snowflakes, and snowglobes!
Create Beautiful Suncatchers
Materials Needed:
- Winter-themed SVG files: Arctic Animals, Snowglobes, or Snowflakes
- Contact paper
- Colored tissue paper
- Scissors
- Black cardstock (I use 12x12 65 lb. or 80 lb.)
- Cutting machine
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and Cut: Grab the SVG file, add to your Cricut design space, and resize as needed. I typically make mine about 5.5 inches wide and add 4 to a page for 12 x 12 cardstock. Cut on your cutting machine.
- Prepare the Suncatchers: Cut 2 pieces of contact paper slightly larger than your design. Remove the backing of one and place it sticky side up.
- Add Tissue Paper: Let the kids tear or cut tissue paper into small pieces and place them onto the sticky surface, filling in the design.
- Seal It Up: Once the design is complete, cut another piece of contact paper to seal the top, pressing out any air bubbles.
- Trim and Hang: Trim around the edges of the design, leaving a small border. Use string or ribbon to hang your suncatcher in a sunny spot!
Extension Activities
Once the suncatchers are complete, take the learning further with these engaging activities:
1. Story Time with Arctic Animals
- Read books about arctic animals or winter themes, and discuss the animals featured in the suncatchers. Check out these story book titles featuring the Arctic Animals SVG: Little Polar Bear, The Moose in Me, A Snowy Owl Story, Narwhal: The Arctic Unicorn. Kids can hold their creations up to the sunlight while listening to the stories for a relaxing story time.
2. Make a Winter Scene
- Create a winter scene using the suncatcher snowflakes as part of the landscape, adding trees, houses, and animals in the foreground.
3. Science of Snowglobes
- Discuss what snowglobes are and their function. Explore concepts like precipitation and temperature. Have the kids create their own mini-snowglobes using jars, water and glitter - follow this HOW TO.
Conclusion
These winter preschool activities not only foster creativity but also enhance cognitive skills through play and exploration. Enjoy!
- Catherine