Book 6: The Christmas Wreath

So, speaking of the Grinch, as a teacher in December, don't you ever get just a little tired of the noise, Noise, NOISE?!  Please tell me I'm not the only one!  Today, my morning left me feeling slightly "grinchy."  But, with a little love (and some whole-brain teaching),  by afternoon my little darlings had returned, and we were able to have some fun with our next Christmas book -  The Christmas Wreath, by James Hoffman.

 

This is a sweet story that describes some exhausted elves (let's just say I could relate to the feeling) who are too tired to decorate a tree, or even to make a beautiful wreath.  They make a simple wreath for the door to Santa's workshop.  But, the wreath becomes beautiful when a Polar Bear finds it, gets it stuck on its head, and drags it through the water, forming beautiful icicles.  The wreath makes it back to Santa's door, and becomes a "Christmas Miracle" for the elves.  Another 27 thumbs up story!

I'm sure you know what we did next!  We made some simple Christmas wreaths as gifts for our parents!  I make this project every year.  It is simple, but pretty, and the kids get a chance to practice their patterning.  Here are some of my students' wreaths:

Many of them even tied their own bows this year!  It is very simple to make.  Here is one without the ribbon added yet.  The kids tucked the ends of the pipe cleaner under the beads:

Some of them figured out they could make heart-shaped wreaths:

I actually thought the heart-shaped wreaths were a great idea!  Most wanted keep them circular, but the joy of pipe cleaner is that they can change their minds whenever they like!  We put a piece of masking tape on these with our names, so we can sort them all when it is time to send home our Christmas gifts.  

Have fun keeping it simple!