This was a good drop-in craft program that was held a little earlier than previous years to accommodate Spanish families and their separate Mother's Day date. The turnout was pretty good, but I did notice that I might make it a little later next time.
For our crafts, we had a variety to choose from thanks to leftover crafts from previous programs. I had a flower pot craft that was new and a new card craft idea using tissue paper and construction paper with "Happy Mother's Day" printed inside. The extra crafts were Mother's Day crowns, frames, and magnets that were purchased from Oriental Trading.
Everyone had a fun time with their crafts and I was happy to see some older kids getting involved. Everyone's crafts turned out very unique and I love how they add their own touches to them.
Happy Mother's Day!
The Drop-In and Get Crafty: Mother's Day program was held the day before Mother's Day. Even though it was close to the holiday and beautiful weather, I still had a nice patron turn-out.
For the craft that would be for Mom, we made our own flower bouquets using flower die-cuts, straws, and duct-taped toilet paper rolls for vases. The kids enjoyed choosing from different colored flowers and using die-cut hand shapes for a variety. We added a card and some green strips of construction paper to make the bouquet look colorful and full.
I did duct tape each toilet paper roll previously because it would be difficult for most of the smaller kids who attend this group, but they liked picking out their patterns.
It was nice to see dads and other family members bring in their kids to surprise Mom, but we had quite a few moms who enjoyed working on the craft with their kids.
Happy Mother's Day!
For February's Book of the Month, I chose That's Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.
Summary: Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents' desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us--from a soft breeze to a shimmering star. ~From Goodreads.com
Age Range: 3 to 7
"That feeling you always have in your heart? That's me loving you."
What originally urged me to pick up this book was the sweet illustration on the cover of a mom sharing an embrace with her child, surrounded by beautiful nature. This is a simple picture book about the love between a parent and a child, with the message being that they will always be loved by their parents no matter how near or far they may be.
This book would work wonderfully for a Mother's Day storytime, Valentine's Day storytime, or a storytime about love. I also think this would be a great picture book to use for a younger child who may have lost their parent too soon.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal sets out all what she was meaning to do, including writing a touching book that may tug at your heartstrings. I love how nature is used as a symbol of love.
