Simple Mother's Day Hand Print Craft

I don't have any pictures for this craft, but it's easy enough so you should be able to follow the directions without a problem.

What You'll Need: 
--Finger paint
--Heavy duty poster board or a paper plate
--construction paper
--scissors
--glue

Alternate Options If You're Missing Any of the Above:
--in lieu of finger paint:  Washable markers or crayons
--construction paper or computer paper will work if you don't have poster board/paper plates
--You can skip the steps requiring glue and scissors if you have neither

Instructions:

1.  Cut out a construction paper heart large enough to fit your little one's hand print inside
2. Glue the heart to the center of your poster board, paper plate, or whatever kind of paper you're using.
    Alternate:  If you do not have glue or scissors, draw a heart in the middle using a marker or pen.
3. Have your tot spread their fingers and dip their hand in finger paint.  Help them press their hand print firmly into the middle of the heart.
     Alternate:  Trace their hand in the center of the heart using your markers or crayons.
4. Help them write their name and (of if they're too small do it for them) under their heart.

Something Extra:
Pick out one of the following hand print poems and write it or print it out and glue it somewhere on your paper or on the back of your paper plate:

Option 1:

My dirty little fingerprints
I've left on every wall,
And on the drawers and table tops,
I've really marked them all.
But here is one that won't rub off,
I'm giving it to you,
Because I'm thankful for a mommy just like you!

Option 2:

This is the hand
You used to hold
When I was only
__ years old.

Option 3:

These little hands can wave Hello
Or put smudges on the wall
They can fold in prayer, throw a kiss
Or reach up so very tall
They'll clasp your hand for a little stroll
Or shape a ball from clay
But most of all, they'll stay with you
When I'm grown up and far away

Kid Crafts: A Nature Walk and Mini Pumpkins

Please let me know if you like this blog post.  If parents enjoy it then I will post a new Kid Craft every week. Also please feel free to share with your friends or local homeschool groups!

Mini Acorn Pumpkins

This cute craft involves a nature walk, acorn gathering, and family fun!

What You'll Need:
-Acorns
-Orange acrylic paint
-Black permanent marker

Optional Stuff:
-Brown or green acrylic paint

Instructions:

1. Take your kids on a nature walk. A park or nature preserve is a fun place to learn and see new things.  Of course if you don't live near a park or nature preserve, a walk through the neighborhood is sure to yield some acorns!

2. Bring a plastic baggie to make sure the kiddos have a place to store their acorns.

3. Sometimes acorns have an unpleasant surprise:  weevils.  To kill the weevils you can place them on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven for a few minutes (2 or 3 minutes at 350 should do the trick).  Keep a careful eye on the oven to make sure you don't burn your acorns. 

4. Paint acorns orange and set aside to dry.

5. Once dry you can paint a leaf or stem on the acorn's point for added decoration.

6. Use the marker to draw a face.

The mini pumpkins look cute in a small clear jar, or if you're really crafty you can try punching holes in the middle and using them as beads.

This craft courtesy of Disney Family Fun.