Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Easy Father's Day Crafts and DIY Gifts Kids Can Make for Dad

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate and honor the incredible men in our lives who have shaped us, guided us, and supported us. While store-bought gifts are always appreciated, there's something truly special about receiving a handmade gift from your child. In a world filled with mass-produced goods, these unique creations carry a special charm and significance that money can't buy. Here, we explore the benefits of encouraging children to hand-make gifts for Dad on his special day. Then, I have a few suggestions for easy Father's Day crafts and DIY gifts kids can make for dad.

1. Personal Touch:  Handmade gifts exude a personal touch that can't be replicated by store-bought items. Whether it's a hand-painted card, a homemade photo frame, or a clay sculpture crafted with little hands, these gifts are infused with the child's love, effort, and creativity. They reflect a genuine desire to express affection and appreciation, making them all the more meaningful to the recipient. Imagine the joy and pride your child will feel when they see their father's face light up with happiness upon receiving their unique creation.

2. Fostering Creativity:   Encouraging children to create handmade gifts for Dad nurtures their creativity and imagination. It inspires them to think outside the box, experiment with different materials, and explore their artistic abilities. From brainstorming ideas to bringing them to life, crafting a gift provides valuable opportunities for self-expression and problem-solving, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride.

3. Building Bonds:  Collaborating on a handmade gift can be a wonderful bonding experience for children and their fathers. It offers a precious opportunity for quality time spent together as they work side by side, sharing laughter, stories, and memories. Whether it's teaching them new skills, offering guidance, or simply being present, the act of creating together strengthens the parent-child relationship and creates lasting memories to cherish. This shared experience can deepen the bond between father and child, creating a sense of closeness and connection that is truly priceless.

4. Cultivating Gratitude:  In today's fast-paced world, where material possessions often take center stage, handmade gifts remind children and adults of the actual value of thoughtfulness and gratitude. By investing time and effort into creating something special for Dad, children learn to appreciate the joy of giving and the importance of showing appreciation for the love and support they receive. These heartfelt gestures teach them to cherish relationships and cultivate a spirit of generosity.

5. Celebrating Imperfection:  Handmade gifts embrace imperfection in a way that celebrates authenticity and uniqueness. They bear the marks of individuality, with each brushstroke, stitch, or fingerprint telling its own story. Rather than striving for flawless perfection, these gifts embrace the beauty of imperfection, reminding us that the thought and effort behind the gesture truly matter.

6. Treasured Keepsakes:  Handmade gifts have a timeless quality that transcends trends and fads. Unlike store-bought items that may lose their appeal over time, these heartfelt creations become cherished keepsakes that hold sentimental value for years to come. Whether displayed on a shelf, hung on a wall, or tucked away in a drawer, they serve as tangible reminders of the love, memories, and moments shared between father and child. These gifts can evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation, reminding us of the special bond we share with our children.

In conclusion, while store-bought gifts certainly have their place, there's something undeniably special about receiving a handmade gift from your child on Father’s Day. From the personal touch and creativity they embody to the bonds they help forge and the gratitude they instill, these heartfelt creations are more than presents – they're expressions of love, appreciation, and cherished memories that last a lifetime. So, this Father’s Day, consider encouraging your little ones to unleash their creativity and craft a gift that's as unique and special as the man they call Dad. After all, the thought, love, and effort behind the gift make it priceless.

Easy Father's Day Crafts and DIY Gifts Kids Can Make for Dad

If you need ideas for your child to hand-make a Father's Day gift for dad, here are several suggestions for celebrating Dad on his special day.

Love You to the Moon and Back Foot Print Rocket Card by The Best Ideas for Kids

You're the Coolest Popsicle Card by Homeschool Preschool

Painted Rock Photo Holder by Buggy and Buddy

Baseball Handprint Gift by Kindergarten Connection

Easy Fingerprint Dish by What Katy Said

Handprint Keychain by Project Nursery

Father's Day Goodie Bags by Little Family Fun

Father's Day Sharpie Scribble Mug Gift Craft by i heart arts n crafts

Super Dad Chocolate Gift Craft by iHeartCraftyThings

"DAD" Salt Dough Picture Frame by The Soccer Mom Blog

Light Up Father's Day Card by Left Brain Craft Brain (The dad who loves Star Wars will love this one!)

Handprint Father's Day Card by Messy Little Monster (The fingerprints make the hair and legs on the dad - so cute!)

Handprint Suncatcher Craft by Real Life at Home

Hooked on Dad Wood Slice Gift by Angie Holden: The Country Chic Cottage (Cute fishing theme.)

Following in Dad's Footsteps Framed Foot-Print Gift by A Hundred Affections

Necktie Key Ring by Positively Splendid

Love You Dad Keychain by Armelle

We're Nuts About You Photo Frame by Happiness is Homemade

Monster Trail Mix Edible Gift by Let's DIY It All

Wallet Filled With Love Father's Day Card by Danielle's Place

I have one more idea for you, a Father's Day coloring book and questionnaire keep-sake booklet for your child to complete for his or her dad. The All About Your Father 11-page booklet contains both coloring pages and 6 questionnaire pages. After your child completes all the pages, I recommend preserving them in sheet protectors and then placing them into a one-inch three-ring binder for a life-long keepsake. My children gave my husband and me similar keep-sake treasures when they were little. Now that they are all grown up, I love looking back at the questionnaires to see what they wrote down. After my third child was born, my middle daughter completed a questionnaire sheet at church. One question was, "What does your mother do?" Her answer was, "Mommy only has time to make bottles." That was 26 years ago, and I still laugh every time I think of it. Trust me, your child's dad will love this gift booklet from his little one.

All About Your Father Coloring Pages and Questionnaire Gift Booklet for Father's Day

New Father's Day Items in Our Shop Today!

If you need a store-bought gift item to celebrate Dad on Father's Day, we have several new items in our shop today! These suggestions will make great stand-alone gifts for Dad or great additions to your hand-made gift option.

Because I'm the Dad Mug for Father's Day Gift

Because I'm the Dad That's Why Ceramic Mug for Father's Day Gift

Best Dad in the World Mug for Father's Day Gift

Best Dad in the World Gift Mug for Father's Day

Best Daddy Ever Gift Mug for Father's Day

Best Step Dad Ever White Coffee Mug for Father's Day Gift

Best Step Dad Ever Mug for Father's Day Gift

We hope these ideas help you and your child discover unique and meaningful gifts for celebrating your child's dad for Father's Day.

You may also like:

Father's Day Crafts and Gift Ideas for Dad

Father's Day Crafts and Gift Ideas for Dad

Go live life abundantly!

Tina

Don't forget to pin this post!

Easy Father's Day Crafts and DIY Gifts Kids Can Make for Dad

Monday, May 13, 2024

Praying the Bible Over Your Family: Genesis 12:2-3

I love to pray the scriptures. There is something incredibly powerful about reading a verse in the Bible, especially out loud, and then praying that verse over my family.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us:

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)

Isn't that verse amazing? When we read the Word of God aloud, we hear a living and active word straight from God's throne. Recently, I thought it would be cool to pray the Bible over my family from Genesis to Revelation. I'll be praying a few verses from each book over my family while I write a year-long devotional to guide others to do the same. Today, I'm offering you the first verse from Genesis 12:2-3.

Day One: Genesis 12:2-3

And I will make you into a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 12:2-3 (NASB)

When Abraham was in the land of Ur, God called him to leave his country and his family, but God made a covenant with him. God promised Abraham the land of Canaan. God promised to make a great nation from Abraham's descendants—the Jewish people. God promised Abraham both material and spiritual prosperity and that Abraham's family would bless others. Abraham was obedient to God, and God always kept His promises.

Pray Genesis 12:2-3 Over Your Family

Heavenly Father,

We come before you today with humble hearts, seeking your blessings upon our family. As you promised Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, we pray you will bless our family. May you guide us in all that we do, and may we be a blessing to others.

Lord, help us walk in obedience to your Word and trust your promises. Guide us on the path that you have set before us, and grant us the strength and courage to follow where you lead.

May our family be a shining light of your love and grace to those around us. Help us to be a blessing to others and to bring glory to your name in all that we do.

We thank you for your faithfulness and goodness towards us and we trust in your unfailing love. May your blessings pour out upon our family abundantly, now and always.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

PIN ME!

Praying the Bible Over Your Family: Genesis 12:2-3

You May Also Like:

9 Tips for Creating a Habit of Prayer

9 Tips for Creating a Habit of Prayer

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Teaching Children about America's National Monuments: A One Week Unit Of Study

Teaching children about America's national monuments helps them appreciate American history and provides a foundation for them to build a sense of belonging and patriotism.

Teaching Children about America's National Monuments: A One Week Unit Of Study

Teaching Children About America's National Monuments

Day One: Introduction to National Monuments

Lesson:

Start this unit on national monuments by discussing with your students what national monuments are. Show your kids photos of national monuments. This week, we will learn about the Statute of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Grand Canyon. Be sure to include photos of those monuments, but feel free to show them many others.

Story Time:

Read the following book to your students.

USA Landmarks for Kids

USA Landmarks for Kids is available here.

Activity:

You will need:

Printer paper or pre-printed copies of national monument coloring pages.

Crayons or Colored Pencils

Provide your students with coloring sheets featuring various national monuments. Include the four monuments we will be looking at more closely this week, but you can include others.

National Monuments Coloring Pages

National Monuments Coloring Pages are available here.

Day Two: The Statute of Liberty

America's National Monuments: The Statute of Liberty

Lesson:

In 1886, he people of France gifted the Statute of Liberty to the people of the United States as a tribute to the friendship between the two countries. It became a national monument in 1924, a symbol of American freedom. It stands about 300 feet tall from the ground to the tip of the torch.

That statute of liberty hasn't always looked green. It is made of copper so it originally looked more like a shiny new penny. A process called "oxidation" happens when an element, like copper, combines with oxygen. Oxidation caused the outside of the statute to develop a brown coating called Tenorite. The Tenorite and oxidized copper combined with the sulfuric acid in the air creating the green color we see today.

Informational Resources About The Statute of Liberty

The National Parks Service offers a free educational curriculum on their website. The curriculum materials are divided by grade level.

Allow your students to watch this video about The Statute of Liberty

Statute of Liberty Worksheets

Kids Connect offers 6 free worksheets about the Statute of Liberty. You can save the images to your device. Then, print them out to use with your students.

Source: Statue of Liberty Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, May 8, 2018

Children's Books about the Statute of Liberty

What is the Statute of Liberty Green?

"Why is the Statute of Liberty Green?" is available here.

Otto's Tales: Let's Visit the Statute of Liberty

"Otto's Tales: Let's Visit the Statute of Liberty" is available here.

My Little Golden Book About The Statute of Liberty

"My Little Golden Book About The Statute of Liberty" is available here.

The Statute of Liberty (Pull Ahead Books - American Symbols)

"The Statute of Liberty (Pull Ahead Books - American Symbols)" is available here.

Activity:

You will need:

Printer Paper

Crayons or Colored Pencils

Scissors

Glue

Activity: Your students will color a landscape scene including the Statute of Liberty. Then, they will cut out the Statute of Liberty and glue it as instructed on the website, 10 Minutes of Quality Time, to create a 3D model of the statute. In order to print out their example, you might have to become a member. If you don't want to do that, you can draw a similar one for your students.

Day Three: Mount Rushmore

Lesson:

Discuss the history of Mount Rushmore with your students. Tell them the faces on the monument are four former presidents. Discuss with them several key facts about each president.

Allow your students to watch the following video.

Story Time:

Where is Mount Rushmore?

Where is Mount Rushmore is available here.

Otto's Tales: Let's Visit Mount Rushmore

Otto's Tales: Let's Visit Mount Rushmore is available here.

Activity:

Using playdough, instruct your students to craft their own mountains. Using a quarter, a dime, a nickel, and a penny, tell them to press the faces of the four presidents into their playdough mountains. Check to see that they are pressing the faces in the correct order.

Day Four: The Lincoln Memorial

Lesson:

The Lincoln Memorial was constructed so that we will never forget Abraham Lincoln and the great things he did for our country.

Go here for a detailed historical accounts of the monuments of the National Mall.

Allow your students to watch the following video about The Lincoln Memorial.

Story Time:

What is Inside the Lincoln Memorial

What is Inside the Lincoln Memorial is available here.

Activity:

Download this Abraham Lincoln mini-booklet. Print out enough copies for all of your students. Instruct your students to cut out the pages, staple them in order, and read them often.

Day Five: The Washington Monument

Lesson:

The Washington Monument is a tall building in Washington, DC that honors our first president, George Washington.

The Time Line for the Construction of The Washington Monument

1783: The Continental Congress first raised the idea of constructing a monument to honor George Washington.

1833: After many years of delay, The Washington National Monument Society was founded.

A man named Robert Mills designed a plan for a 600 foot tall obelisk, a tall thin pillar with a pyramid at the top.

1848: Construction of the Washington Monument began.

Various problems including the Civil War and a lack of adequate money delayed the construction.

1876: The Construction of the monument was resumed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Due to the passing of so much time, they couldn't match the colors shades of the stones, so the monument is three different shades from the bottom to the top.

1884: The capstone was placed on top to the monument. It was finally finished.

1885: 102 years after the Continental Congress first proposed the idea of a monument to honor President Washington, it was dedicated by President Chester Arthur.

Allow your students to watch the following video.

Key Facts About George Washington:

President Washington was born on February 22, 1732.

We don't know much about his childhood, but we know that his mother passed away when he was only eleven years old. Washington's older brother helped raise him.

In his 20s, Washington fought with Great Britain in the French and Indian War. When the war was over, he returned to Virginia where he worked as a farmer.

George Washington was elected to the Virginia legislature when he was only 26 years old.

He married Martha Custis in 1759. Martha was a widow with two children.

Washington served as one of Virginia's representatives in the First and Second Continental Congresses in 1774 and 1775.

When Thomas Jefferson with the help of the Second Continental Congress wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776, George Washington was chosen to lead the new free states in the American Revolution.

Later on, the states chose representatives to elect a president. George Washington won their vote.

Learn more from National Geographic Kids here.

Activity:

The National Parks Service offers a "Build Your Own Monument" craft complete with a PDF download and instructions here.

Conclusion: Virtual Tours

Visit the Statute of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, The Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument via virtual tours at the following links.

The Statue of Liberty

Mount Rushmore

The Lincoln Memorial

The Washington Monument

We hope students, teachers, and parents enjoy a week of exploring three of America's most valued national monuments. We hope your students, through discussion, hands-on activities, crafts, and virtual tours develop an appreciation for these monuments and all they represent.