MeXico~! Aztec beads

My class simply LOVE necklaces (boys too!), beads and anything they can make themselves to decorate themselves!

I stocked up on hama beads (the ironable, plastic beads that kids often use to make shapes with. We have them at the 'dollar store' / 100 yen store here.

Inspired by Aztec patterns, we set about trying our hand at our own designs.

 (There are some great ideas out there, but we wanted to keep it simple, but enjoyable enough for everyone. Playing with beads provides more entertainment for a 4 year old than using sharpies on a plate, although Aztec designs on a plate sounds like FUN!! Next time!)

The temptation was there to make the entire shape, but the class knew that we were making small beads so they stuck to the plan!

It was a great lesson in patterns and shapes, but more importantly, it was colourful and fun! Everyone was super happy with their new necklaces!!

MeXICo~! Calaveras!

Otherwise known as SKULLS!

This is a great introduction video for the kids. Evn though it starts off morbid, it gets the message across really nicely that the Day of the Dead is in fact a happy day and a true fiesta!

DAY OF THE DEAD ANIMATION

We started out with these paper plate Calaveras, moving up to large paper ones and then tried our hands at a salt dough skull too!

I guess kids like the idea of something scary being cute and of course, the chance to really put their art skills to use!

Paper plate calaveras!

Paper calaveras

Cavalera salt dough beads!

INDiA~! Bangles & Bhindis!

We have been enjoying making many many Indian-style bangles. One style, we made from plastic bottles and wrapping yarn around a cut off part. It was such a simple activity, but the class loved it and kept wanting to make more and more! Great for the fine motor skills too.

The second type, was simpler, made from toilet paper rolls. Again, these were popular and we used tape, gift wrap ribbon, sequins. Fun!

Africa..other ideas.

So many possibilities come to light for each topic and some might be great ideas but just won't work within the timescale, or alternatively, some can be quick fillers for a spare afternoon activity.

In the case of Africa, there was the original idea of the necklaces - using a paper plate, which at the time, the kids loved, but they were much more excited about the next project of the 'real' bead making....











While I was away, my boss took over for a few days and work on some Egypt projects with the kids. They got really into the idea of how pyramids contain treasure and maps and they had the chance to make their own styles of them. And they also learnt something about Egyptian mythology too. Sadly, I don't have any of these pictures, but it is worth noting to remember.








I had been thinking of extending the project and making Egyptian style bangles upon my return, but the gold paint was far too strong for the class to have used. it would, however, have been a great project to do as they would have loved to decorate the bracelets, made simply from toilet rolls.