Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create a Christmas countdown using handprints and engage in Christmas-themed activities for each day leading up to Christmas.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed: white paper, red and green paint, markers, scissors, glue, and Christmas-themed activity ideas. Prep: Set up a designated area for painting and crafting.

Activities

1. Create Handprint Christmas Tree: Use green paint to make a handprint tree on the paper, then add fingerprint ornaments with red paint.

2. Write a Christmas Wish: Use markers to write a special Christmas wish on the countdown paper.

3. Make a Handprint Reindeer: Use brown paint to create a handprint reindeer on the paper, then add details with markers.

4. Christmas Story Time: Read a Christmas story together and discuss the characters and setting.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Today, we are going to make a Christmas countdown using our handprints. It will be a fun way to keep track of the days until Christmas!"
• "Let's use green paint to make a handprint Christmas tree. Then, we can add red fingerprint ornaments to decorate it."
• "What special Christmas wish would you like to write on our countdown paper? Let's use colorful markers to make it stand out!"
• "Now, let's make a handprint reindeer using brown paint. We can add antlers and a red nose with markers."
• "After our crafting, we'll have a Christmas story time. We'll read a story and talk about the characters and setting."