Witchy Wednesday: A Morning of Magical Making

Materials Needed

• For Story Time:
  • A witch-themed picture book (e.g., Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, The Little Witch by Otfried Preussler, or Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola)
• For the Witch's Broom Craft:
  • A sturdy stick or twig from the yard (about 12-18 inches long)
  • Raffia, twine, or straw
  • Scissors
  • Optional: Ribbons, yarn, or bells for decoration
• For the Clay Creature Familiar:
  • Air-dry clay or polymer clay in various colors
  • Small sculpting tools or a plastic knife
  • Googly eyes or small beads for eyes
  • A small mat or piece of parchment paper to work on
• For the Potion Necklaces:
  • Small corked glass bottles or plastic potion bottles
  • Water
  • Food coloring (various colors)
  • Biodegradable glitter, tiny beads, or flower petals
  • A small funnel or a steady hand
  • Pipettes or droppers
  • String or cord for the necklace
  • Optional: A tiny drop of dish soap for a bubbly effect
• For the Snack:
  • Pretzel sticks
  • String cheese
  • Green juice or a smoothie for "Witches' Brew"
  • Clear cups
• For Game Time:
  • The co-operative board game Cauldron Quest

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, Mirabelle will be able to:

• Demonstrate fine motor skills by assembling a broom, sculpting with clay, and mixing potion ingredients.
• Engage in creative expression and imaginative play by designing a unique broom, creature, and potion.
• Practice early science skills (cause and effect, color mixing) through potion making.
• Develop storytelling skills by creating a narrative for her clay creature.
• Practice cooperation, turn-taking, and problem-solving skills during a cooperative board game.

Lesson Activities

1. Activity 1: Story Time - Setting the Scene (10 minutes)

   Description: Begin the morning by cuddling up and reading a chosen witch-themed story. This will spark imagination and set a magical tone for the activities to follow.

   Instructions:

   1. Find a cozy spot to read together.
   2. As you read, ask engaging questions like, "What do you think will happen next?" or "Which character is your favorite?"
   3. After the story, say, "That was a great story about a witch! Should we make some magical things of our own today?"

2. Activity 2: Craft - Make Your Own Witch's Broom (15 minutes)

   Description: Mirabelle will construct her own rustic witch's broom, practicing tying knots and arranging materials.

   Instructions:

   1. Lay out the stick and the bristle materials (raffia, twine, etc.).
   2. Gather a large bunch of raffia and align the ends.
   3. Place the bunch against the bottom of the stick.
   4. Help Mirabelle securely wrap a long piece of twine around the top of the raffia bunch, fastening it to the stick. Tie a tight knot (adult assistance may be needed).
   5. Let her trim the bristles with scissors to make them even, if desired.
   6. Encourage her to decorate the handle with ribbons or yarn.

3. Activity 3: Craft - Sculpt a Clay Creature Familiar (20 minutes)

   Description: Every witch needs a trusty familiar! Mirabelle will use clay to sculpt a creature to ride on her new broom.

   Instructions:

   1. Ask, "What kind of animal friend do you think a witch would have? A cat? A frog? A dragon?"
   2. Provide the clay and sculpting tools on a work mat.
   3. Encourage her to roll, pinch, and shape the clay to form her creature.
   4. Show her how to add details like googly eyes or textured fur using the tools.
   5. While she works, ask her to tell you about her creature: What is its name? What magical powers does it have?
   6. Set the creature aside to dry (or bake it later if using polymer clay). It can sit on the broom's bristles for now.

4. Activity 4: Sensory Science - Mix a Potion Necklace (15 minutes)

   Description: This activity combines sensory play with simple science as Mirabelle creates a wearable "potion."

   Instructions:

   1. Set up a "potion station" with the small bottles, water, food coloring, glitter, and pipettes.
   2. Using a funnel or pipette, help Mirabelle add water to her bottle, leaving a little room at the top.
   3. Let her choose food coloring and add a drop or two. Ask, "What color are you making? What happens when you mix blue and yellow?"
   4. Allow her to add her "magical ingredients" like glitter, tiny beads, or petals.
   5. Secure the cork tightly (a dot of hot glue can make it permanent and spill-proof).
   6. Help her tie the string or cord around the neck of the bottle to create a necklace.

5. Activity 5: Thematic Snack Time (10 minutes)

   Description: A fun, themed snack to refuel before the final activity.

   Instructions:

   1. For Broomsticks: Unwrap the string cheese and cut it in half. Make several cuts into the bottom of each half to create "bristles." Gently insert a pretzel stick into the uncut end to form a broom.
   2. For Witches' Brew: Pour the green juice or smoothie into a clear cup.
   3. Enjoy the magical snack together!

6. Activity 6: Cooperative Play - Cauldron Quest (20 minutes)

   Description: Play the board game Cauldron Quest, where players work together as a team to find ingredients for a spell before the wizard blocks their path. This reinforces the theme while building social skills.

   Instructions:

   1. Set up the game according to the instructions.
   2. Explain the goal: "We have to work together to get all three ingredients into the cauldron before the mean wizard blocks us! We win or lose as a team."
   3. Play the game, guiding Mirabelle on turn-taking, dice-rolling, and making strategic choices together. Celebrate successes as a team.

7. Wrap-up & Reflection (5 minutes)

   Description: A brief moment to admire the day's creations and reflect on the fun.

   Instructions:

   1. Gather the broom, clay creature, and potion necklace.
   2. Ask Mirabelle what her favorite part of Witchy Wednesday was.
   3. Display the creations in a special place. Let the creature "ride" the broom and encourage her to wear her potion necklace.